The Thread Bloghttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion
Fashion, beauty and daily inspiration from Nordstrom.Tue, 31 Mar 2015 17:07:01 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.1New! Rebecca Minkoff’s Jewelry and Ready-to-Wear Goes Perfectly with Her Iconic Handbagshttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/rebecca-minkoff/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/rebecca-minkoff/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 14:08:31 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=56086By the time you read this, Rebecca Minkoff will be in the Bahamas. While we’re sure you won’t begrudge the beloved designer her beach break, please know that her time off is extra well-deserved; among lots of other things, she just visited our Seattle flagshipwhere we talked to her about Nordstrom’s brand-new rollout of herjewelry and ready-to-wear collections.

The Thread: What should we know about your accessories collection?Minkoff: It has all the signature details that you know from our bags. Whether it be studding or pearls with raised teeth—there’s always a little bit of an edge. The hardware and metal in the jewelry talk back to the handbags.

Edgy pearls, they’re having such a moment, huh?
I re-fell in love with pearls, and I wanted to find a way to make them tough. We did pearls even last fall, and I’ve just wanted to continue.

What’s the mood for your ready-to-wear collection this spring?
There’s definitely a boho thing happening. But like this top for example, it’s flowy but it’s not hippy. It’s more artisanal. [Minkoff's top was similar to this sleeveless shirtdressfrom her collection, but also a little like thistank.]

What inspired the theme?
A Deborah Turbeville photograph from the ’70s of these women in a bathhouse. That was the starting point; the women are wearing these soft, flowy, slouchy dresses. Her photographs are very dark, and this one was controversial at the time, but the women are always wearing very elegant clothing.

What about your personal style? How would you describe your everyday look?
I always wear something loose anchored with a great jacket. I like that mix-match. [Minkoff's topper was like this tweed jacket from the Piece & Co. collection, but also a bit like this sleeveless dressfrom spring 2015.]

The brand Pintrill, out of Brooklyn, NY, answers the question: What if you took the collectible world of pin culture, and speared it through your phone and into your text messages?

Jordan Roschwalb started Pintrill in April 2014 with his girlfriend Doni Gitlin and homie Andrew Yung. He talked to us on the phone about the communal power of pins and future possibilities for the Oxford English Dictionary.

After speaking with him, we’re even more certain that these pins will get you noticed at a music festival or on the street. And maybe bartered with.

Nordstrom blogs: You want to start off introducing yourself and telling us a little background?

Jordan Roschwalb: Sure, my name’s Jordan, and I’m from New York. And I started Pintrill in Brooklyn with my girlfriend and my friend Andrew in April 2014. My background was in automotive, in retail and corporate also, with a couple different companies. But before I started Pintrill I was at Mercedes-Benz.

I knew I wanted to start my own company and always had a passion for fashion. After reading a bunch of articles, I decided if I wanted to do something in fashion I wanted it to be one size fits all. I wasn’t going to hats or bags. So I thought pins was a great solution. One size fits all. And it’s not sexist at all. A guy can wear it, a girl can wear it.

Is there any tie with Been Trill?

No ties whatsoever. I just thought it was a great name to play off of. And they didn’t invent the word trill. It was a Bun B thing, and invented in the south. I just thought it was a good play on words now that will last into the ages just fine. Trill will probably be in the dictionary some day.

What were the first pins you did?

Two of them were the logo pins, and then the 100 emoji and the flame emoji. And then you had the Good Vibes Only and the Blessed. Originally we were going to release the Crown and the Praying Hands emojis. We released the Praying Hands eventually. The Crown we still might do.

Emojis transcend generations. Ten-year-olds use phones, and speak to their moms and dads that way, using emojis.

Where do you draw inspiration from besides emojis?

Whatever’s current in pop culture. And past pop culture. Things that got people going and are fun. It doesn’t need to be something that’s right in the eye, it just needs to be something we would wear. The way we do fashion and the clothes we wear, and the music we listen to and TV shows we watch are all influences. Walking into a toy store and being taken back to your childhood. Seeing a Tonka truck or a box of crayons.

How do collaborations occur with you? You reach out, or the other way around?

Ninety-five per cent it’s people reaching out to us. Which is really cool. People are recognizing us as the pin company. If you wanted a heritage denim jacket you might contact Levis. People are thinking about us like that with pins. In ten years we’ll be a heritage brand. We can be the pin people forever. With the Nordstrom collaboration, one of the things we did was the lollipop emoji, and it’s such a versatile pin. It’s being received so well. And Nordstrom was really open to blending with our aesthetic. The glow-in-the-dark Vibes one we did is probably my favorite.

What’s your favorite collab you’ve done?

The Naturel stuff we just released is next-level. That’s the direction I want to take everything. Not just the design, but the finish. Those pins turned out beautifully. And Theophilus London. The Michael Jackson pins we made with him turned out amazing. That was a crazy conversation, because he kept showing me the graphic. And I didn’t get it but said, OK, I trust you. And it’s so irregularly shaped but looks great.

October’s All Alone, we don’t really know who they are. We’ve never met them, just know they’re based in L.A. They sent us an email with Drake Tears in it, and were like, we made a run of these shirts and we want to make pins. We said yes. Then total radio silence. Then six weeks before fashion week, they hit us up again, which is when we came up with the Kim Kardashian Tears. I really want to meet them. They’re building a brand awareness without a website. It’s amazing.

Have you heard from Drake or gotten any response on that?

No, but everyone that sees those freaks out. I was just down at South by Southwest and talking to A-Trak’s manager, and he bought $60-70 worth of pins from me, then noticed I was wearing crying Drake, and was like, I need this in my life. It’s the craziest thing. People are so taken by it. They identify with Drake so much. I honestly can’t believe it. It’s the most requested pin on our website. But we can’t release it again. October’s All Alone is totally MIA. We can’t push them. I commend them for being so incognito, actually. They have the restraint to not self-promote.

What’s pin culture all about to you?

Pin culture is all about bringing people together and finding common interests. It’s not really about spending money, it’s about what is this worth to you?I was just running a booth at South by Southwest, and this guy had already bought several pins from me. Then he dug deeper and found this Superman pin and just freaked out. I said, do you want it? You can have it for free. He said he’d be right back. He left and returned with a bunch of Grateful Dead pins . He said, I took one of yours–you can have one of mine. He ended up giving me a Grateful Dead version of the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters. It was the sickest thing.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/pintrills-jordan-roschwalb-on-the-true-definition-of-pin-culture/feed/0New! Vika Gazinskaya Takes On the Worldhttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/new-vika-gazinskaya-takes-on-the-world/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/new-vika-gazinskaya-takes-on-the-world/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 16:55:39 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=56082Take a look at the jacquard skirt by Vika Gazinskayapictured here on the right. It’s like the Magic Marker stylings of an extra-gifted doodler were lifted from a notepad, taken to France and woven into a fine silk blend. Wait—it’s not like that. It is that. And the doodler is the on-the-rise Russian designer herself. I talked to Gazinskaya via Skype about the wonderfully colorful handmade patterns in her new-at-Nordstrom collection and the history that informs the look.

“I had a picture on my mood board of a very, very old Indian man with kind, spiritual eyes. He was so beautiful, and really it began there,” Gazinskaya told me. “I was thinking about how the British colonial aesthetic combined with Indian authentic costumes, and I often create my own prints with handmade drawings, so for this I was drawing traditional Indian paisleys.”

And while the full midi skirt is made with a complex jacquard application of the drawing, the collection’s one-shoulder silk sateen dress is cut from an adaptation rendered in digital print. “It really maintains the effect of marker drawn on fabric,” she tells me.

As for how to wear these culturally rich creations, Gazinskaya has a refreshingly down-to-earth approach. “My customer can easily mix these pieces with what they have in their wardrobe already; they’ll be comfortable wearing my paisley skirt with a simple Alexander Wang black tee, and the polka-dot blouse can easily go with a pair of jeans.”

Yeah, how about that polka-dot top?

Gazinskaya made the shoulder-baring piece popular a few seasons ago, and now she redoes them in different fabrications—like this season’s grass-green version. But if it gives you a certain Russian peasant blouse vibe, you might reframe the look as simply global. That’s how the Moscow native and world-renowned street-style star sees it.

“Fashion has no borders. You shouldn’t see or feel where a designer is from because fashion and art should be international; they connect people with beauty and mood. Each culture will add their aesthetic, but when buyers and foreign press think my collections are international I take that as a compliment.”

Still, Gazinskaya says she’s thrilled to be in the mix at Nordstrom. “If a ballerina is invited to perform at the Bolshoi Theater, everyone knows that if she steps into that, she has made it. For me to be presented in a big company in America, it really means I’m doing the right thing.”

—Laura Cassidy

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/new-vika-gazinskaya-takes-on-the-world/feed/0Your AstroTwins Weekly Horoscope for March 30-April 3http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-30-april-3/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-30-april-3/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 12:00:31 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=56110Life has plenty of variables. Wouldn’t it be radical if the future was a knowable thing? Well hold on, because it just got a lot more knowable-able. We’re psyched to help you cue up and dial in your week via these new weekday/weekend horoscopes from Olivia Kim’s favorite astrologers, the AstroTwins.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that zing! This Monday, March 30 communication planet Mercury moves into agile Aries until April 14. Clever banter, inspired bursts of brilliance, shameless come-ons—yep, our exchanges will be charged with the Ram’s spirited dynamism. Friendships and flirtations can heat up quickly over the coming two weeks. But don’t send off for the matching heart-shaped lockets just yet. These flash fires may fizzle as fast as they sizzle! Enjoy the heat while it lasts. DO keep a capture tool close at hand. While this restless Mercury spell can make us a little too ADD to focus for long, the ideas we dream up now could be golden when our productivity kicks back in mid-month.

Go-getter Mars can help us focus, too. On Tuesday, the planet of drive heads into Taurus until May 11, bringing more grounded pragmatism to our efforts. Since February 19, Mars has been blazing a trail through Aries (like the current Mercury transit), which roused some truly radical notions. Now is the time to put those gems through a stern reality test. What will it honestly take to pull them off? Pop on the project manager’s fedora and crunch the numbers, map out the timelines, and get a clear sense of the required resources. Many will discover that their dreams are more doable than previously realized. Mars is a lusty soul and his tour through earthy, sensual Taurus could bring some memorable times between the high-thread-count sheets. Tap into every Eros-and-Aphrodite approved element—touch, taste, aroma, ambience—to seduce. And bring that spring awakening to the great outdoors! Nature provides the perfect backdrop for love, Mars in Taurus style. Rent that lavish room at a mountain lodge, read Rumi poems on a picnic blanket, or take an al fresco stroll and enjoy some tasteful PDA. Slow and steady wins the race with Mars in Taurus, so better to crib your cues from Lady Mary than, say, Katy Perry.

Where is the love? Saturday’s skies will be lit up by a brilliant lunar (full moon) eclipse in harmonious, romantic Libra. Bring on the peace treaties and cooperative ventures! Eclipses can usher in sudden developments, speed up manifestation, or reveal those shadowy areas of life where we have been loath to look. Secret crushes could be revealed (unceremoniously, even) under this eclipse. If you’re outed, just own it since there’s nowhere to hide when an eclipse comes to town. The object of your affections will be flattered, and maybe a whole lot more. Relationships that have reached a turning point could swing to either the makeup or breakup realm quickly after Saturday. Libra governs the law and this eclipse could bring some long-awaited justice for a situation that is inarguably unfair. We’ll all have to give a little in order to strike a happy medium, but compromising should ultimately feel like a win-win.

Stand up and be counted, Ram! Your mind is generally razor-sharp, but when expressive Mercury beams into your sign from Monday until April 14, you’ll be flooded with brilliant ideas. You may not be able to record all of them, but it’s worth your while trying to capture at least a few. Some should be filed away for future reference, but others could bear fruit right out of the gate. Because Mercury rules communication, you’ll have no problem speaking your mind—just be alert before you blurt! Your off-the-cuff comments could offend (or deeply wound) some of your more sensitive friends or colleagues, and you might not get a chance to apologize or undo the damage. This is also a good time to revamp your identity and give yourself an image upgrade—yes, even the pieces that people consider “signature you.” Work with a stylist to build a wardrobe instead of throwing random pieces together. And don’t be afraid to get even more radical, like getting an edgy new hairstyle or changing the color.

On Tuesday, it’s time to take some of those Big Ideas to the bank. Don’t worry—you’ll have tons of celestial support, as your ruling planet, go-getter Mars, grooves into Taurus and your second house of finances until May 11. This transit signals the end of Mars’ six-week tour of your sign (which only happens every other year). While hosting Mars has definitely stirred up some genius notions, you may have been too restless or distracted to actually start to monetize your ideas. Now, before the manifesting can begin, you need to settle down and starting thinking—and acting—practically. It’s not enough to have a vision. You need to tap that earthy Taurean energy and crunch the numbers, create a timeline and figure out what it will REALLY take to make it happen. Mars will be traveling alongside Venus in Taurus until April 11. With the cosmic lovebirds conjoined in your slow-burning second house, this could be a sensual week. Pace yourself, even be a little old-fashioned…or enjoy some Dionysian delights with your amour du jour.

On Saturday, when a total lunar eclipse in Libra lights up your seventh house of partnerships, you may start to experience emotions you didn’t even know you had—or find out about someone else’s previously concealed feelings. If you’ve been keeping a secret crush to yourself, you might be surprised to learn the attraction is mutual. Relationships that start under this full moon could be keepers. On the other hand, if you’re unhappily attached, you may be forced to finally acknowledge that something vital is missing from this connection. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s time to move on, this eclipse could bring it. Be careful not to act rashly, though. You don’t want to make a decision you’ll live to regret.

Flutter those social butterfly wings, Aquarius! On Monday, Mercury breezes into Aries and your third house of communication, intensifying your natural gift of gab until April 14. Without even trying, you’ll be the prince or princess of playtime! While others are scratching their heads trying to think of something just a bit out of the ordinary to do, you’ve lined up scuba lessons, Pilates in the park and a floating gourmet supper club. Expressive Mercury brings special gifts to writers or would-be authors. Dive into your blog or memoir-writing, or consider joining a group like Toastmasters to hone your public speaking skills. This is a great time to simply dabble and check out new scenes. The third house rules local activities and siblings, so you could become more actively involved in neighborhood goings-on—including politics. Take a road trip with your bro or sis, or a friend you’d like to get closer to. Plug in Pandora and sing your way to your destination or talk all the way there. You’re in the mood for lively, inspiring conversation. If you go solo, listen to an uplifting audiobook. A short trip with a workshop component would be amazing.

On Tuesday, things heat up at Chateau Aquarius as passionate Mars emigrates to Taurus and your domestic fourth house until May 11. This could turn your living room into the epicenter for animated dinner parties—or Mars could ratchet up the tension and turn family matters a bit disruptive. But this is no time to slip into resigned-martyr mode. Mars can be pushy, but it’s also proactive. Skip the passive-aggressive pouting or the Mommy Dearest raging and get clear about the change you’d like to see under your roof. Your tendency to “go-with-the-flow until you blow” is not gonna cut it. Stop saying “yes” to relatives and roomies when you know you mean “No.” It’s tough to watch them flounder, but they’ll grow stronger from the struggle. This Mars phase is a fine time for starting a home-based business. Why not turn a profit from your “kitchen table wisdom”?

On Saturday, your always-simmering wanderlust heats up to a full boil. A lunar eclipse in Libra rocks your ninth house of global adventures, and before you know it, you might be hitting the “Reserve Now” button on the trip of a lifetime. Can’t get away? Scratch the travel itch by spending time with a cross-cultural connection or finding ways to expand Brand Aquarius overseas (perhaps with necessary travel?). Entrepreneurial Aquarians could have an epiphany about a new venture or finally be ready to launch it publicly. Eclipses reveal shadows, so be careful what you wish for. You might wind up with more customers than you can accommodate. This eclipse could bring a major moment of truth and the realization that you need to liberate yourself from a situation, obligation or relationship that is bringing you more agony than joy. Make a quick, clean break, and let the healing begin!

Ready, set, goal! On Monday, go-getter Mercury beams into Aries and your career sector. You’ll be positively magnetic until April 14, easily attracting powerful movers and shakers into your orbit. But you need to get within range, so position yourself strategically among the A-listers. When you get their attention, give ’em your well-rehearsed elevator pitch. You’ll feel very comfortable in this rarefied milieu, which happens to be a perfect place to meet prospective collaborators and investors. Mercury rules communication, blessing you with the gift of gab, so get busy scheduling those power lunches and cocktail-hour meetings. As your nurturing sign understands better than anyone, the best business practice is to build strong relationships with professional allies. Let the lines blur a little and get personal—just not TOO personal. It’s one thing to show a client photos of your family vacation, quite another to start dishing on a colleague’s affair or your latest dating disaster.

Tuesday brings a rush of adrenaline as powerhouse Mars blasts into Taurus and your eleventh house of teamwork and collaboration until May 11. Be prepared to crawl out of your protective shell and chat up intriguing strangers. It doesn’t happen every day, but this transit can actually get you excited about giving up a little control and joining forces with other people. Make sure they’ve got the juice to keep up, since the fiery planet gives you wings. Also be on guard for the tendency under this transit to swing too far to the other pole and become too close, too quickly, with a new group. It takes time to figure out what people are REALLY about. Since the eleventh house governs technology, this wakeup call from Mars could spur you to action on your vision for an online business or a Kickstarter campaign. You could make a mint through the Internet: maybe an eBay store for some of those collectibles you’ve been hoarding—er, SAVING—for that rainy day that hasn’t come since 1997. A collaboration could put money in the bank, too. Start recruiting for your dream team, but with energizer Mars in the mix, you might need to curb your enthusiasm.

Saturday’s lunar eclipse in Libra could portend some alterations in your living environment. If you’ve been fantasizing about a move—perhaps to someplace warmer or less expensive so you can cut back on the work hours—start scouring the real estate listings. Or you might bring a new roommate or partner into your lair. A family member may need more support—OR less! You love to be involved, but you could hit a new chapter that’s far more liberating and less codependent. Redecorating or renovating may be in the cards. Start getting bids. If you’ve waited this long to do it, you might as well do it right.

Home isn’t just where you hang your hat (or Birkin bag); it’s wherever your heart is, Cap! But starting Monday, when messenger Mercury puts down roots in your domestic fourth house, you might just start spending more time at Chateau Capricorn. As an earth sign, you love feeling grounded and connected to actual, literal EARTH, so start spending more time outdoors—barefoot, whenever possible. Get your garden going (weather permitting). If you don’t own property, investigate local community gardens. Even a small plot will appeal, so check out Mel Bartholomew’s “Square Foot Gardening.” Another great use of Mercury’s efficient energy is to plunge headfirst into spring cleaning. Conquer the clutter, find the perfect classic Mint Julep recipe, then, take that hat off the peg for Derby Day. Your desire to entertain heats up—but not for those rando acquaintances. What you’ll be craving until April 14 is intimacy with people who can keep a secret. Since the fourth house also rules family, it behooves you to spend more time with your kinfolk. Even if you only have an hour here and an hour there, you can make the moments memorable by keeping your phone in your purse while you’re together and being fully present. During this two-week phase, your relationships with women will be warm, lively and fulfilling. You might join a ladies’ networking group or team up with savvy chicas on a professional project or creative collab.

On Tuesday, prepare to get yanked out of your cozy cocoon as passionate Mars blasts into your stimulating fifth house until May 11. Despite Mercury’s homey influence, there will be limited time for sitting around knitting tea cozies and binge-watching Scandal. This Mars phase helps you reconnect with your inner wild child—we know she’s in there somewhere! There’s little risk of you crossing the line of decorum, Goat. Your antics and activities will actually be appreciated by those who know the buttoned-down you. Since the fifth house also rules romance, your love life could hit a new peak. Attached? These next six weeks could bring a declaration of love, a ring, or, if you’re in baby-making mode, a pregnancy. Just don’t let Mars carry you away. Keep your wits, and don’t put any carts before horses. Normally you’re allergic to drama, but with Mars here, you are as prone to those overreactions as the rest of the human race.

Saturday’s glowing lunar eclipse in your tenth house of career could rocket you up another rung of the corporate ladder. Eclipses bring rapid developments, so always be dressed for success and speak up a little more loudly in meetings. Don’t feel you have to leave shoptalk at the office. You could have a serendipitous meeting over the weekend with someone who turns out to be the perfect connection for your career. Men will be your lucky stars during the span of this eclipse’s good vibes—which can last up to six months. Good thing you’re so comfortable hanging with the fellas: Your ease with being part of the boys’ club, coupled with this eclipse, will shatter any remaining levels of that glass ceiling over your head!

Up, up, up goes your popularity, Gemini! On Monday your ruling planet, effusive Mercury, zips into Aries and powers up your social eleventh house for two weeks. You’re seldom alone, and this transit will send your Q rating through the roof. Juggling old and new friends as you expand your already-impressive social network will be stimulating, but even YOUR circuits might get blown. This doesn’t mean you have to stay home or miss THE event of spring (heaven forbid). Just be more efficient with your limited time. Turn a few tete-a-tetes into epic gatherings of the tribe to include everyone who wants a piece of you. The eleventh house also rules technology, making this fortnight a wonderful time to tweak your digital persona. Schedule a photo shoot for your LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook profile pictures. Take a few hours out of your busy life to load some your 2015 highlights into your Instagram feed. Learning a new piece of software can spell money in the bank, as can launching your own blog or adding some great entries as timed posts.

On Tuesday, warrior Mars blasts into Taurus, illuminating your twelfth house of healing and closure until May 11. Are you ready to take an unblinking look at behavior and relationships that are no longer in alignment with the person you’ve become? High-octane Mars gives you the courage, and the energy, to make necessary changes, no matter how difficult or painful they may be. Your sign deals with change better than any other, but it’s never easy stepping out of addictive behavior and into the great, untested unknown. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone, Gemini. Reach out to your unparalleled network of “earth angels.” While you’re in transition, don’t rush to fill that vacuum. Keep it as a sacred portal for something or someone REALLY deserving to enter your life. Better to have no one than the wrong one. When you create space for divine inspiration, you’ll give your muse an opportunity to guide you to a new level of inventiveness. Make art, pursue your passions, set up a meditation practice to quiet your mind and get deeply acquainted with your own triggers. Slowing down helps you watch the “river of thoughts.” Instead of being so jumpy and reactive, you can learn to pause, let the thought be, and choose whether or not to engage. As a nice bonus, life will be far less dramatic!

Your creative life gets a double shot in the arm on Saturday, when a lunar eclipse in Libra brings fresh blood to your fifth house of inspiration, passion and romance. Eclipses reveal shadows, and this one could reveal a treasure trove of buried desires. It could also bring major acclaim for your talents. Don’t duck the spotlight—step right into it. Although you prefer a partner dance, you’ll be the true star here. Cupid could make an unexpected visit within two weeks of this eclipse, but you can’t waste time deliberating or you’ll miss the brief and fated window of this lunar gift. Jump in with both feet and give that passionate connection a chance to sizzle or fizzle. You’ll never know its true potential if you have one Margiela boot out the door.

Could you use a change of scenery, Leo? The travel bug bites you hard on Monday, as messenger Mercury makes a global entry into your ninth house of tourism and adventure until April 14. It’s easy to get caught up in the local scene, but with your ninth house activated, you’ll feel more fulfilled by exploring a wider world. Ping your pal in Paris or message your amigo in Mendoza and see what you can make happen. Look for last-minute deals, pack lightly—then go! If you can’t get out of Dodge on such short notice, get plans in motion to go SOMEWHERE before the end of April. This Mercury transit could spell a cross-cultural spring fling. Go ahead, Leo: Flirt without borders. But watch your words! Communication planet Mercury is positioned in your #nofilters ninth house, potentially sparking some “open mouth, insert Manolo” moments. While it’s important to speak your truth, don’t shoot from the hip without regard for how your words may be perceived. You’re not exactly the thickest-skinned soul yourself, so don’t go dishing out the tough love if you can’t take it in return. A better place for your words? Channeled into a blog, memoir or an ebook. If you’re a writer, this Mercury phase will be stellar.

On Tuesday, if you’re still in town, it’s back to the old grind, as take-no-prisoners Mars booms into Taurus and your tenth house of professional success. Get that power suit to—and back from—the cleaners pronto, because these next six weeks hint at rapid career development. We’re not talking about cautiously ascending the corporate ladder one rung at a time. The red planet can slip a jetpack on your back and blast you straight to the top. (Cue the Drake.) You could forge ahead and take charge, so don’t be shy about your desire to lead. You’d rather be respected than liked, but if you’re TOO domineering, you could incite a mutiny. Move swiftly yet gracefully to the throne. By showing your allies that you have their best interests at heart, you will win their undying loyalty. Your relationships with men could become lively or stressful. You won’t mind playing in the boys’ club, but your roar could get a little fierce. Embrace your competitive spirit without turning cutthroat.

Saturday’s earth-shattering lunar eclipse in your house of friendship could reveal some hidden information about someone you had thought was solidly in your supporter camp. On one hand, you might learn that this person has secretly been going to bat for you. But it’s also possible that this eclipse, which illuminates the shadows, could unearth a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Don’t play ostrich if unpleasant truths come to light. Should you start picking up on some disconcerting clues, keep digging. Over the coming two weeks, this frenemy will be outed.

Hello, dynamic duo! Two is your lucky number on Monday, when expressive Mercury swings into Aries and awakens your seventh house of relationships until April 14. (Even if it wasn’t actually asleep, it might have been in snooze mode.) With this Mercurial move, you’re ready to consider a new partnership, whether for romance or creative collaboration. Since the seventh house rules the law, it’s a good idea to draft a contract or some kind of official agreement to spell out the terms of your enterprise, especially as regards money, liability and rights. Whether or not you’re amorously attached, you will benefit from bringing more romance into your life. Small gestures can cause big shifts, so buy yourself fresh flowers and add daily flourishes that brighten your mood, like a slice of lemon in your sparkling water, a luxe sheet set, an haute votive for your nightstand. Up the sensory experience for yourself and you’ll be happier and more open to others. If you’re single, seek out situations where you might actually meet someone. Coupled? Create more whitespace in your calendar for date nights. Be the fun-bringer of the relationship by picking up pairs of tickets to events instead of leaving it up to chance.

On Tuesday, motivational Mars grooves into Taurus and your mystical, seductive eighth house until May 11. This is a great six-week period to hone your intuition, take a divination class (astrology, anyone?!) or, since Mars is the planet of lust, allow a flirtation to go a little further. The eighth house also rules shared resources, so you could fall into some juicy money-making prospects, like a collaborative venture or commission-based income—or maybe learn you’re entitled to a fat tax refund! Whatever you do, consider learning about or getting involved in investing opportunities. If you’ve ever thought about getting your real estate license or becoming an agent who brokers deals, it’s worth exploring. But don’t rush into any “let’s make a deal” scenarios. Mars makes you impetuous, but look before you leap…or withdraw money from your 401(k) for a rental property in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Ready for your big reveal? Saturday’s lunar eclipse in your sign pulls you out from behind the curtains and into the spotlight. Now that you’re commanding center stage, it behooves you to show the world what you’re really made of. You have cosmic consent to shamelessly promote yourself and creative projects you’ve hatched since the Libra new moon last September 23. It’s not boasting, Libra. When you share your progress and successes, you will inspire others to work harder on THEIRS. If, however, you’ve been spinning your wheels for the past six months, this eclipse can act like a tow truck and pull you out of your rut. You might also step into a new identity—one that’s been brewing since these eclipses began in your sign in April 2014: working mom, shaman, public speaker. You are the author of your identity, and no one can put Libra in a box!

Mind your wallet, Pisces! On Monday, “see-it-want-it” Mercury lands in your second house of money and possessions until April 14. This could play out in one of two ways—and the choice is yours. This impulsive transit could cause you to overindulge in retail or, because Mercury is the analytical thinker of the zodiac, help you create a budget or put a viable savings plan into place. But to make it stick, you’ve got to commit to expunging impulsive shopping sprees from your economic plan and being religious about contributing to your savings account. If you truly can’t rein in the urge to splurge, buy one amazing “investment piece” whose value will actually appreciate, like a work of art from a hot up-and-comer, or a limited-edition haute designer item. Little indulgences will go a long way if you learn to live on less. And remember, Fish: The best things in life aren’t things. Let nature nurture you. Take an “art project” hike through the woods and bring home some flowers, ferns or branches to liven up your decor and remind you of the great outdoors.

On Tuesday, you’ll want to see and be seen on the scene, as high-octane Mars grooves through your social third house. This six-week period could bring a gaggle of new friends and auspicious invites. Because this sector also governs siblings and local goings-on, you might join forces with your bro, sis, neighbor or a neighborhood business on a venture you could throw yourself into. While you’re staying close to home, go exploring! What fun venues or events might you stumble on if you train your focus here instead of elsewhere. Read flyers on bulletin boards and chat with the laptop crew at your coffeeshop or while you’re shopping. All manner of communication is favored until May 11, but choose your words carefully. Mars can pack quite the punch—and your “direct comments” could hit below the belt. Hotheaded Mars could make you quick to react—to your own detriment. Good fences make good neighbors. Just because you love gabbing with the guy in 2B doesn’t mean you should instate an open-door policy or offer him 24/7 access to the private garden you had the good fortune to score. Familiarity WILL breed contempt if you don’t have healthy boundaries!

On Saturday, a lunar eclipse in Libra stokes your eighth house of transformation. Even if you haven’t been able to put your finger on it, you’ve sensed for a while now that a certain area of your life could benefit from a change. Over the coming two weeks, you’ll gain clarity about what needs to shift and HOW you can begin the process. Be patient with yourself, Pisces. Eclipses’ sphere of influence lasts six months, so give yourself time to do the work that will support your big decision. If you need some support, don’t be afraid to ask for it!

No need to crank the A/C, Archer. It’s not hot in here—it’s you! On Monday, expressive Mercury blasts into Aries and your passionate fifth house until April 14. Over the next few two weeks, up the romance quotient in your life. Attached? Plan fun, out-of-the-ordinary dates, like private-room karaoke or a wine-tasting weekend. Single? Seek out potential prospects in different venues, like a lecture or local band’s CD release party. Make time for your own personal glam squad! You’ll have more fun with your wingwomen without the pressure of trying to impress anyone. And who better to turn to with your wardrobe woes? Between their good taste and knowledge of local sales, and Mercury’s organizing ability, you could create a style-defining new look! But have a game plan—and stick to it! Don’t be tempted by anything gorgeous yet high-maintenance, like dry-clean-only items or things that need to be pressed. You’re all about spontaneity, Sag, and when it comes to your clothes, you want to be able to grab and go! That said, try to find a few show-stopping pieces. With Saturn in your sign for the next two and a half years, you’ll be taking on more responsibility, and quite likely more prestige. The spotlight is a-calling, so be prepared to promote, perform and present. If you’re truly not comfortable being front and center, let your work speak for itself. Ping the media, start a buzz on social media or throw a party to introduce people to your latest venture.

On Tuesday, motivator Mars zips into your sixth house of hard work and healthy living until May 11. You’ll be one busy little bee—fortunately, you’re up to the task. Keeping your career, home and personal life running like a well-oiled machine could require some clever lifehacking, though—maybe even a real or virtual assistant. Good help may be hard to find, but it’s certainly not impossible. Do your research carefully. You could fall in love with someone’s personality, but don’t start handing off your important work before you’ve seen what they’re capable of. Make them EARN your trust if you’re taking a newbie under your wing. If you’re seeking a seasoned vet, run the background checks and call their references. As your workload increases, so go your stress levels. Tap into the energy of the sixth house and channel your angst into intense workouts. While you have the motivation for spring training, you may be challenged to find the time for them. Consider hiring a personal trainer to hold you accountable and show you the ropes around those somewhat intimidating kettle bells and TRX machines.

Saturday’s lunar eclipse in Libra could bring changes to your social network. You may find you’ve outgrown a certain group and need to move on. Or, you could finally find or assemble your tribe or think-tank. Outgoing Archers get lit up by the sheer genius of other people. Eclipses reveal hidden opportunities, and since this one lands in your tech sector, you could also meet a new collaborator online or through social media. Click and ye shall find. If you have a new online initiative to launch, this eclipse could herald stunning success!

You’re a one-person efficiency team starting Monday, when nimble Mercury bolts into Aries and your organizational sixth house. Stay focused, Scorp, and you’ll accomplish a lot! Just don’t bite off more than you can chew over the next few weeks. On April 14, Mercury moves on, and you don’t want to be left with piles of half-finished projects. Start by decluttering so you can see what’s there; then, embark on a cleanup mission before you let your crafty self out to play. This Mercury transit also stirs up your earthy energy and invites you to play in nature. If you have a garden, this is a perfect time to do your seasonal planning or put some ambitious design ideas into play. No outdoor space? You can still connect with Pachamama by taking your workouts outdoors, or maybe joining a hiking meetup. And don’t forget to clean up your calendar. It may be teeming with a few too many work appointments, social activities or family commitments, leaving you with barely enough time to breathe. Create dedicated blocks of time for the things that rejuvenate you: Schedule your downtime and hold it as sacred as you would your offer to, say, drive a friend to the airport or take a client to lunch.

Your personal time becomes even more important on Tuesday, when lusty Mars (your sign’s co-ruler) beams into Taurus and your seventh house of partnerships until May 11. You were born with highly refined powers of seduction, and under this Mars phase, you will be in rare form. And while you’ll enjoy the game, don’t get so caught up in it that you ignore what you truly desire: a real and meaningful relationship. Planets in your seventh house can hold up a mirror to you or demonstrate the principle of “opposites attract.” If you’re willing to consider someone who’s not your usual type—who actually challenges you on some of your stubborn opinions—you might just meet your match. Exciting as this is, be warned that Mars can also cause stress and jealousy. Lovers’ quarrels could intensify during this phase, and you may have a shorter fuse in general. Business partnerships could also heat up now. You’ll find it easier to make progress once you pair up—with the RIGHT people, that is. Put it in writing rather than just shake on it (as IF a Scorpio would ever trust that). This is an insurance measure to preserve the goodwill and keep expectations crystal clear.

Saturday’s lunar eclipse in Libra illuminates your twelfth house of endings, giving you a peek beyond doors that have been slammed shut. It’s an opportunity to give up control and simply surrender to a higher force and purpose. You may not be able to forget, but you always have the option to forgive—the first step to true and lasting healing and change. If you’re ready to free yourself from an outmoded situation or relationship, you’ll have the strength to move on. This is never easy for your deeply invested sign. Of course “letting go” doesn’t necessarily mean leaving. Some Scorpios may need to spend the next month (or longer) breaking your knee-jerk tendency to codependently control relationships when your fear of abandonment kicks in. Building a stronger autonomous core and holding better boundaries in place is the key to this growth. Working with a coach, therapist, or support group can help you move what seems like a mountain of grief, anxiety, and other buried fears. That inner work ain’t easy, but the payoff could literally change your life.

Talk about a daydream believer! On Monday, expressive Mercury grooves into Aries and your imaginative twelfth house until April 14. Whatever your metier is—from poetry to jewelry-making to modern dance—you’ll be in direct communication with your muse. As your artistic side gets awakened, it’ll be hard to focus on much else. Give yourself the time and space you need to create without restriction. Because the twelfth house also rules healing, the arrival of analytical Mercury could promote rapid strides in any kind of therapy. Unbury deep-seated emotions by working with a counselor or getting involved with a support group. Compassionate dialogue about your shared issues can start to bring relief. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends who’ve been down a similar path. If you have a loss to mourn, let the tears flow instead of trying to put on a brave face. You’ll have an easier time letting go (and, as you know, your sign can get attached). This is a good time to do some spring cleaning; and while you’re at it, how about a little spring CLEANSE? Give sugar and white flour the boot and let your body begin to detox.

On Tuesday, get ready to ROAR as high-energy Mars blasts into Taurus until May 11. The red planet only pays a visit to your sign once every two years, so make the most of this six-week power surge by putting yourself and your passion projects at the top of that priority list. You won’t have to go looking for motivation; it’ll find you. Press pause from playing caretaker for others, which only diminishes your available energy, and nurture your own ambitions. This is prime time for physical fitness and getting your body humming like a finely tuned machine. And since Mars is the planet of lust and longing, he could bring a bonus round of spring fever. Even more so until April 11, while Mars’ favorite companion, seductive Venus, is also cruising through Taurus. Settling down may be a different story—if anything, you’ll prefer a longer leash and more autonomy to enjoy a social life that doesn’t include a Klingon partner. Just be careful not to swing so far to this opposite extreme that you let a good one slip away. Mars can ramp up excitement levels AND stress, so pace yourself. Don’t come on too strong or get so keyed up that you crash from the high.

Saturday’s total lunar eclipse in Libra lights up your sixth house of health and vitality. It’s not too late to start spring training, so take a giant step in that direction by joining a gym or signing up for classes you’ll actually look forward to. This eclipse could bring sudden changes at the workplace too. A deal you thought was done and over could show signs of a second life, and your hard work of the past two years could finally bear fruit. Use the two weeks following this eclipse to pitch, present and pursue.

Is it hot in here or is it you? Thou giveth fever, Virgo. Normally you can be a little inhibited when it comes to revealing ANY shades of gray. But on Monday, your cosmic ruler, expressive Mercury, flits into bold Aries in your hotter-than-July eighth house and hikes your powers of seduction to their annual peak until April 14. This sultry cosmic boost makes it easier to talk about important issues, like your secret desires and fantasies. With your inner vixen unleashed, you’ll be magnetic! Just be careful not to attract any leaden objects. If you’ve been in serious-flirt with someone, that simmering pot could reach the boiling point and things could take a sharp upward turn. But do be on guard for visits from the green-eyed monster. You could become a bit more possessive and outright jealous with Mercury here. Use envy constructively—as a guide to YOUR dreams, not a reason to “covet thy neighbor.” This Mercury phase is excellent for upping your financial savvy, especially when it comes to big money like investments, inheritances, commissions and other lump sums. Use the analytical planet’s innate curiosity to do your reading and research. A white light moment could arrive.

On Tuesday, carefree Mars jets into Taurus and your ninth house of travel and daring-do until May 11, making you restless. This is prime time for indulging your itinerant spirit and connecting with foreign friends closer to home. Merely hitting the road (or open skies) won’t scratch your wanderlust itch, however. You are seeking thrills now—the kind of exploits and adventures that stretch you in ways you didn’t know you could go. A week at the beach won’t cut it. So pack your hiking boots and waterproof camping gear and hit a high winding trail—or trek through the rain forest, bike the Ho Chi Minh Highway or sail a lengthy coastline. These kinds of activities will light your fire. You might also go on a learning-based vacation like a viniculture seminar in Sonoma or bikini boot camp. The fiery planet adds rocket fuel to entrepreneurial dreams. Your business could take off at lightning speed and even attract international clients.

On Saturday, a lunar eclipse in Libra powers up your second house of money. Your phone could start ringing off the hook with exciting opportunities promising big paydays and some desperately needed variety. Eclipses reveal shadows—and are famous for overturning the status quo—but if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll be forced to admit you’ve been secretly hoping for a change like this! Don’t worry about not mastering something new right out of the gate. Rome wasn’t built in a day or even a month. Give it a go and plan to learn on the job. This eclipse helps you find the nerve to raise your rate or request a pay increase. Go ahead, Virgo: ask for a meeting with the good folks who sign your paycheck in the next two weeks.

If you’re at all susceptible to the spastic charms of festival-grade EDM, you probably already know and love Major Lazer, the electronic band with a superhero aesthetic–and which has its own cartoon premiering April 16 featuring John C. Reilly. If not, come check out the global dancehall party via this custom Nordstrom mix and get your learn on. These sounds are crazy, son!

It’s the perfect soundtrack to Magic Hour Pop-In@Nordstrom, our collection of apparel and accessories that puts a non-#basic spin on festival gear and updates classic rave aesthetics from the 199os. Pop-In, of course, is the rotating themed shop within selected physical Nordstrom locations and online, curated by our director of creative projects Olivia Kim.

Much props to mixmaster and Major Lazer producer Walshy Fire, coming out of Miami. We’re looking forward to his new music label, Planet Raux, and fully expecting the upcoming Major Lazer album “Peace Is the Mission”–which he’s all over, including the sleek single “Lean On“–to dominate dance parties this spring and all through festival season.

Take a deep breath, Aries. On Saturday, tempers flare as the moon in Cancer, your emotionally sensitive fourth house, forms a tricky square to assertive Mars in your sign. Part of you wants to stand up for your own interests, while loved ones are vying for your attention and impeccable care. Yet, in the midst of being nagged and dragged, you don’t exactly feel like baking chocolate chip cookies and being sympathetic. The challenge is to hold your ground without biting anyone’s head off in the process. Before you let the gut-punching insults fly, think twice—you’ll regret lashing out later on. Sunday is considerably tamer, as the moon in Leo, your expressive fifth house, forms a supportive trine to reserved Saturn. This is a far better day to discuss controversial topics, as you’re more likely to think with your head, and not only your heart. Your levelheaded style and your ability to see the bigger picture will save the day.

Choose your words carefully. Stress can build quickly on Saturday, thanks to the moon in Cancer, your third house of communication, forming a tense square to go-getter Mars. You’re in danger of being passive aggressive, Bull, so make sure that everything you say is as direct and open as it can be. Making snide remarks or jabs won’t do you any favors. Steer clear of people with sob stories today, too, as your tolerance for complainers is paper-thin. On Sunday, the atmosphere is more grounded, thanks to the moon in Leo, your domestic fourth house, forming a supportive trine to boundary-loving Saturn. In personal matters, err on the side of tradition, propriety and accountability. Remain above board in all your interactions and arrangements. This is no time for cutting corners, Bull. A family or real estate matter could require your attention, and good thing: you’ll have the fortitude and clear head to make a solid decision, one that can build a lasting foundation. Hello, happy home!

Who you—stubborn? On Saturday, you could dig in your heels, thanks to a tricky square between the moon in Cancer, your grounded second house, and fiery Mars. A friend’s offhand remark could feel like a below-the-belt insult. Or maybe you feel like your personal values are at odds with members of a beloved alliance. Avoid the conflict, if you can, by heading out for a heart pumping run, or an enlivening, brisk walk. Channel the energy physically first…then deal with your friends’ divergent opinions. Things calm down considerably on Sunday, when the moon in Leo, your communicative third house, forms a supportive trine to serious Saturn. If you’ve been struggling at work, especially with a writing project or idea, having a heart-to-heart with your S.O. or a close friend could help you untie the intellectual knots. Someone who acts as a supportive, firm sounding board can really help you set up a proper foundation for success. After you’ve hashed out a plan, you’ll feel great about getting serious. Savor the satisfaction.

Retract those claws, Crab. On Saturday, the moon in Cancer, your first house of self and identity, forms a tricky square to assertive Mars. You could find that you’re rankled by the thought of having to adhere to certain boundaries or structures—with family, career or friends. You just want to do your own thing; yet, you can’t totally abandon your loved ones. Just don’t take out your begrudging sense of duty on them, okay? Find solo time to go for a run or get some movement. Blowing off steam will help you play well with others, even when you don’t really want to be around them. On Sunday, you are focused on an organizational task, as the moon in Leo, your stabilizing second house, forms a supportive trine to disciplined Saturn. Whip out your clipboard and starting checking off to-do items. Clean up the garage, get your bank statements in order, look over your work calendar for the next month. You’ll have the cosmic green light to arrange your life in more practical, functional terms. Go, get ‘em Cancer.

Shaken and stirred? On Saturday, you could feel a bit off center, as the moon in Cancer, your twelfth house of compassion and healing, forms a tricky square to assertive Mars. Perhaps you want nothing more than to relax in your bed all day, but you’re called to support a friend or you have tickets to a can’t-miss event. Your desire for downtime could go unrequited, alas. If you’re asked for advice, you could be brutally honest, having zero tolerance for that person who always steps in the same (obvious) potholes. Tell it like it is, Leo but only if you’re asked—and if you’re ready to deal with any backlash from the other party. If you can’t find any compassion, it’s better to honestly tell this person that you’re not up for playing life coach today. On Sunday, you’re feeling oh-so steady again, thanks to the moon in Leo, your first house of self and identity, forming a supportive trine to serious Saturn. If you’ve been working on a creative project, devote time to its development today. Having a regular discipline is key, and you might also want to map out a plan for its execution, e.g. how many days in the studio/at the laptop it will take to complete, how you’re going to share it with a wider audience when it’s done. The same goes for if you need to express yourself to someone important. Map out a game plan! The weekend wraps on a mature and capable note. Ahhh, that’s more like it, Leo.

Friendship friction? On Saturday, the moon in Cancer, your eleventh house of platonic connections, forms a challenging square to assertive Mars, making you feel especially tense. Perhaps a pal offers unsolicited advice about your love life or something else important to you, creating an awkward tension. It might be that your “amour du jour” doesn’t gel with your regular circle of peeps. Be patient, Virgo, and give this situation time. When your friends see that you’re doing fine, they’ll calm down, and will probably come around. Don’t force an introduction, either—your intimate relationship is YOUR business. On Sunday, things settle down, as the moon in Leo, your twelfth house of the rest and healing, forms a supportive trine to disciplinarian Saturn. You’re in sentimental spirits, and this could be a great day to connect with family. Perhaps you’re looking back, marveling at the passage of time, or you’re reflecting on your ancestral legacy and what it means for you in your life. If the emotions get too high, do some restorative yoga or get a massage that’s so relaxing you forget your name. Give yourself some much-needed TLC.

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. Saturday’s stars test your mettle, as the moon in Cancer, your tenth house of structure, forms a tricky square to go-getter Mars. Perhaps you’re coasting along, thinking that you have one particular five- or ten-year plan in place—a move, a promotion, a family—only to learn that your S.O. or a coworker has a differing opinion. There’s a strong sense that you simply have to figure it out and figure it out TODAY. Ease up on your impatient tendencies. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t sort this out before sundown, Libra. On Sunday, the atmosphere feels a lot lighter, as the moon in Leo, your social eleventh house, forms a supportive trine to foundational Saturn. If you can rally the troops for a fun brunch, the conversation will be lively. You’re eager to connect with people of all stripes; this is a very egalitarian influence. The levity doesn’t mean that you’re not serious, though. Au contraire! You could feel a need to express to your pals just how much you’re there for them, in good times and in bad. Cue the Golden Girls theme song: Thank YOU for being a friend, Libra.

The devil is in the details? On Saturday, you could be cursing the mundane, as the moon in Cancer, your freewheeling ninth house, forms a challenging square to fiery Mars. On the one hand, you’re eager to spread your wings: take a life-changing trip, immerse yourself in an inspiring course of study, and roll the dice on a risky start-up. Yet as adventuresome as you’re feeling, little details and tasks keep harshing your wanderlust buzz. Maybe you have to think of your budget, or who will take care of your dog while you’re away/spending late nights at the lab or office. There’s a solution, Scorpio, but you won’t find it by obsessing. Let go of the need to analyze and control. The universe will, one way or another, fill in the blanks—especially if you put out a call for support. Seek win-win solutions, and watch the serendipities roll in (e.g., a friend visiting from out-of-town can stay at your place while you travel, and take care of your dog, too). On Sunday, you feel a lot calmer, as the moon in Leo, your tenth house of long-term plans, forms an auspicious trine to disciplined Saturn. Under this practical influence, you’ll solve life’s greatest uncertainty by balancing your budget, mapping out a step-by-step plan, and meeting your basic obligations. Take concrete actions to feel more grounded. You’re not one to fly without a net, Scorpio, but now you have added motivation to really get all your ducks in a row.

Manage your stress levels on Saturday, as the moon in Cancer, your intimate eighth house, forms a tricky, tension-inducing square to Mars. While you could do without the drama, you may also feel completely gripped by your emotions, caught up in a reactive loop that’s hard to stop. Maybe a partner has stirred up your deepest hang-up or wound. Or perhaps you feel torn between telling it like it is and being sensitive to a loved one’s feelings. Don’t go firing off insults, Archer. Watch your temper, and do your best not to take things so personally today. On Sunday, the energy gets far more stable, when the moon in Leo, your ninth house of wanderlust, forms a supportive trine to accountable Saturn. Spend the morning plotting your next big adventure. Scour Kayak.com for flight deals, delve into a new spiritual philosophy or research a degree program. Instead of making an impulsive move, put some gravitas behind your grand plans. For you, seeking bigger horizons is the air you breathe. This influence can help you implement lasting structures, embedding possibility into every fiber of your being.

Domestic discord? On Saturday, you feel a bit antsy, as the moon in Cancer, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships, forms a tricky square to intense Mars. You could be uncharacteristically impulsive, even prone to accidents because you’re less likely to watch your step. A partnership could be the source of conflict, too. Maybe you’re impatient with your S.O. or an indecisive colleague—you just want the puzzle pieces to fall in place NOW. Channel your aggressive energy into a heart-pumping workout—and bonus points if you can bring your honey along with you. On Sunday, the air feels a lot more stable, thanks to the moon in Leo, your eighth house of shared wealth, forming a supportive trine to stable Saturn. This is a great day to make solid plans for your long-term financial security, perhaps by scouting investment or real estate opportunities. Meditate on ways you can earn passive income, such as royalties, commissions or dividends. There’s a mystical vibe today, so follow your intuition and pay attention to synchronicities. Ask, believe, receive.

Break the fixation chain, Aquarius. Saturday’s moon in your sixth house of health forms a tense square to fiery Mars. Perhaps you’re stuck on an obsessive thought loop, or overly stimulated by worries about how to pay the bills or handle a heavy workload. Whatever the case, you’re likely to feel the signs of stress in your body. Before you lash out at anyone in your midst, release any errant aggression at the gym. Think of the emotional tightness as energy that needs to be massaged out of you (and, hey, that’s as good an excuse as any for a proper session at the spa). On Sunday, you’re feeling a lot more grounded, thanks to the moon in Leo, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships, forming an auspicious trine to stabilizing Saturn. Perhaps an important partnership gets a boost from a social outing, or a discussion about your shared vision for the world. You’re in an idealistic mood, yet realistic at the same time—all the better to get lost in a dreamy haze, and then figure out a way to bring your biggest hopes down-to-earth. And don’t forget: you accomplish more in a twosome, Aquarius, so grab your partner!

Fireworks! On Saturday, the vibes are explosive, thanks to the moon in Cancer, your dramatic fifth house, forming a tricky square to assertive Mars. Tension with a loved one could tip the scales of your hard-won stability. Perhaps there’s a difference of opinion and values, or you have a difficult choice to make, Pisces. Instead of channeling frustration onto your S.O. or a close friend, work these issues out as practically as you can. Rest easy—you are not going to end up in a situation which conflicts with your core priorities. Let the simmering tension pass, and, if you have to, work it out at the gym. On Sunday, you’re feeling a lot more solid, thanks to the moon in Leo, your sixth house of wellness, forming an auspicious trine to disciplined Saturn. Something as simple as working out or eating clean can put you in an optimistic, capable mood. By taking care of yourself, you send a positive ripple effect out to all the basic structures of your life, including your career. For example, if you want to know what your next professional move is, clean out your refrigerator. While clearing physical space, you just might come up with the answers. Efficiency and organization is your soul salve…and a golden ticket to success.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekend-horoscope-for-march-28-29/feed/0Olivia Kim on What to Do and Where to Go in Seattlehttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/olivia-kim-on-what-to-do-and-where-to-go-in-seattle/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/olivia-kim-on-what-to-do-and-where-to-go-in-seattle/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 17:25:15 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=56060It’s not what you know, it’s who you know and what they know. Especially when it comes to traveling and visiting new places, which is why we asked fashion photographer and Puerto Rico native Clarke Tolton about the islands on the occasion of our new store there. And it’s why we got Pedro García and Dale Dubovich to give us the scoop on their favorite ways to stroll in Spain. Likewise Chloé creative director Clare Waight Keller, who told us where to eat, shop and gaze at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The LA Times is on the same insider-access wavelength; they just interviewed Nordstrom’s director of creative projects and Pop-In curator Olivia Kim about her latest shoppable microcosm,Magic Hour, and then they asked her to point to Seattle’s best tofu bowl and vintage finds. Which she was, of course, happy to do.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/olivia-kim-on-what-to-do-and-where-to-go-in-seattle/feed/0The Watery, Wavy, Artfully Intimate World of Narciso Rodriguezhttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/how-to-wear-spring-pastels-pink-narciso-rodriguez/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/how-to-wear-spring-pastels-pink-narciso-rodriguez/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 16:53:37 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=56025How to wear spring’s loveliest pastels? In the case of this asymmetrical crepe sheath dress by Narciso Rodriguez, the key is to first understand that it was inspired by water.

In particular, the Rodriguez camp tells us, the seascapes and waves of Japanese photographers Syoin Kajii and Hiroshi Sugimoto, and the way “light on the water’s surface suggests seams and embroideries.” These ideas translated to the “fluid, asymmetrical hemline” you see here. We love Rodriguez for his sharp cuts and his languid, arching, natural ones—and maybe most of all for the way he marries these hard and soft elements.

Generally speaking, the designer draws on architecture and sculpture. We’re told that structure informs everything from his perfume bottles to his dress silhouettes, where line sketches become the drape of fabric that shapes itself to the curves of a female form.

This personal and thoughtful process is real; the house’s design staff is made up of just three members, so every piece they release has the hand and the mind of Rodriguez himself folded into it. And that’s what you need to know as you consider slipping yourself inside these rose-colored ripples; they’re carved by nature, and by art, and by humanity. Wear them as a way of being one with all of those things.

How to hit a golf ball? We’ve got you. In the video above, find three #protips for hitting an iron (aka the club you’ll be swinging most of the time) and three tips for chipping, the super-tricky part of the game when you are near but not quite on the green. Your instructor is Patrick Ackerman, Glendale Country Club Golf Pro. All clothes worn in the video are shop-able here.

As for how to look your best while you knock down those eagles and birdies? Well of course we’ve got you there, too.

It’s that serious work ethic that has helped the native Puerto Rican become a success in her field, graduate magna cum laude with a degree in psychology (in only two years) and, most recently, successfully collaborate on a spring collection withTrue Religion Brand Jeans.

We caught up with the megamodel on the rooftop terrace of the Gramercy Park Hotel in Manhattan, where fellow models including Lily Donaldson and Jacquelyn Jablonski, as well as famed photographer and True Religion collaborator Steven Klein, gathered to celebrate what is not just Smalls’s first foray into design, but the first collaboration for True Religion too.

The Thread: How did you decide to work with True Religion?Smalls: It was just an obvious yes. It’s a brand that everyone knows—I’ve always known them growing up—and to get into something like denim, that everybody wears, and put your own style into it was quite incredible, so it just merged perfectly.

What inspired the spring collection?My street style and things that I love wearing. I love wearing my boyfriend’s sweatshirts all the time because of the feeling behind it, knowing it’s his and then the way it drapes on my body. It’s a little bit oversized and super comfy. So we designed a collection that included that. I also love wearing crop tops, so I was like, “How about a cropped sweatshirt?” So we did that and added a slogan, “Sueña,” because we were looking at words that meant something to me. I’m Latin, so I was like, “Oh, people can learn Spanish at the same time!” And that word is so powerful to me, having a dream and having it come true—from having this collaboration to just coming to New York and making modeling a career.

Beautiful party people Donaldson, Klein and Smalls; all images courtesy True Religion

Who do you envision wearing these pieces?I mean everybody. Many of the pieces are timeless staples you should have in your closet because they look great on any body. You can dress them up with a blazer and high heels or dress them down with sneakers. You have so much versatility with just one great pair of leggings. I don’t think there’s a specific person because you have so much freedom to do as you please and style it the way you want to.

What are your favorite pieces from the line?The high-waisted black leggings; they just go so well with everything and it accentuates your best assets. I also love the white leggings with the exposed back zipper. Summer is coming and everyone loves to wear white, but instead of the classic white pants these have a cool detail in the back. It just adds a little more flair and makes it more fun. If you’re daring, you might pair it with killer heels, but you can also pair them with booties and just unzip the back a little bit and really make it your own.

You’re clearly a jeans girl.I am! When you wear it every day why not make it special?

Jacquelyn Jablonski

Have you already started working on the fall line? Can you share anything about it?We have! For one, it’s amazing that we have more leeway and time to be more creative. Some of the ideas I had for spring we weren’t able to do because the turnaround on this collection was super quick. It was an eye-opener. To see something and then decide if you like it and then it has to go to production and there are samples.… I had no clue because you don’t see it when you do shows—you’re backstage and you just see that one garment, but when you have to produce a gazillion things it’s like a whole different ball game. So, for the fall collection we’re playing with more cool fabrics. I love the combination of two fabrics in one garment—it gives you more dimension and makes it cooler, you know, just makes it more special. I’m all about details.

You’re a supermodel, which means you’re super busy all the time, but the last month has been insane for you with Fashion Month…I love that people are now correcting that, because it used to be called Fashion Week and there is not anything about it that’s a week. I mean, even in New York it’s not a week, it’s like 10 days! You know, it’s like where is this “week” coming from?

Yes! It’s probably just easier to brand it that way, right? Do you know how many shows you walked in?I didn’t do as many as in the past. I skipped New York, but I did fly to LA to do Tom Ford and that was incredible, that man is just…

He’s Tom Ford. That’s all you need to say—he doesn’t need any adjectives!Yes! And people were excited to have such a high-level designer in LA. It was tremendous, it was such a big turnout. And then I skipped London, did I think three shows in Milan, and then how many in Paris?

So, how do you stay grounded and de-stress when you’re jetting all over the place?I work out. I go to the gym. I go either every other day or every day if I can. It brings my focus back to where I am and what I want to do and ensures that my body is well kept and regulated, so it doesn’t get completely exhausted. It also gives me energy throughout the next day; it gives you stamina. Also, being surrounded by friends. I think laughter and fun keeps you so grounded and it doesn’t feel like a job. You’re around people you love and who want to have a good time. It’s very rare that we’re in the same city at the same time, so whenever we see each other it’s a bonding experience again, so that’s cool.

Did you have a favorite moment from fashion month?Probably going to Kanye West’s party. That was the last day of fashion month in Paris, so to end it on such a high and just dance the night away and be in good company was the ultimate reward, for sure.

Last question! You’ve been in some music videos and I’m wondering if there’s a difference for you between having to perform for a video versus on the runway.With me there’s not a difference because I don’t feel like I have to perform any less or any more depending on where I am—I’m always bringing my best. In a video, you might see more movement and more of yourself, more fluidity than you do in pictures or runway because those are more static. You all need to fit in and look the same way and walk and it’s like a pattern, but the performance level is still high. I’m still gonna go out there and make sure that I sell this garment that is on me. You do your part because the designer is counting on you to make it look good.

The spring collection is currently available online and in these stores: Aventura, Fashion Valley and our brand-new (as in Thursday, March 26) Puerto Rico location, where Joan is scheduled to make a personal appearance within the next few weeks. Then you can see how gorgeous she is in person.

—Jenny Yule

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/joan-smalls-talks-cropped-sweatshirts-killer-heels-and-true-religion-brand-jeans/feed/0Your AstroTwins Weekly Horoscope for March 23-27http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-23-27/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-23-27/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 12:00:50 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55967Life has plenty of variables. Wouldn’t it be radical if the future was a knowable thing? Well hold on, because it just got a lot more knowable-able. We’re psyched to help you cue up and dial in your week via these new weekday/weekend horoscopes from Olivia Kim’s favorite astrologers, the AstroTwins.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Springtime slackers, this is your wakeup call! This Wednesday, March 25 the energizing Sun forms a flowing and productive trine (60 degree angle) to stabilizing Saturn. We can’t bring our dreams to life by sheer will alone. Action and a solid plan are required to meet the universe halfway. Both the Sun and Saturn are parked in fire signs now—Aries and Sagittarius, respectively. The fire element is all about passion, heat and creativity. Ooh la la! Don’t waste your time on a mission if it doesn’t light you up. We might need some bigger tools to bring this week’s visions to life—and some heavy-hitters who can open the right doors. Speaking with optimism, confidence and enthusiasm is as essential as having a solid game plan in place to back up our words. Roll up your sleeves and go all in. As Albert Einstein once said, “Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.”

On Friday, loveplanet Venus in traditional Taurus forms a challenging square (90 degree angle) to flamboyant Jupiter in Leo. As such, Cupid’s signals could get a little bit scrambled in the latter part of the week. We could make impossible demands of our partners—or get carried away with giving and accidentally freak people out with the pressure. There will be added incentive to talk about the long-game with our loves, but who’s timeline ARE we following anyway? Remember this: when you compare, you despair. Just because your three BFFs are engaged, for example, doesn’t mean it’s your time to trek down the aisle. Don’t accelerate a relationship because you want to keep up with your crew. With both Venus and Jupiter parked in the luxe-loving signs of Taurus and Leo, our appetites for life’s finer things could spiral out of control. Diamonds may indeed be a girl’s best friend, but if purchasing that bauble (or other high end treasure) means going into debt, it would be wiser to gaze longingly at the window display of Van Cleef and Arpels than to stroll out of the store, dipped in ice.

Saturday’s quarter moon in Cancer brings some balance to our personal lives. Slow down and pay attention to your feelings. Cultivating greater emotional intelligence means that you acknowledge that your inner reality is as important as what’s happening outside of yourself. That said, you don’t want to veer to the opposite extreme and react to every whim that comes up. If you’ve been a little too emo lately, this quarter moon brings a helpful reality check. Since Cancer is the sign that governs the feminine and the family, leaning on supportive women and relatives can help restore inner equilibrium.

Patience isn’t always your sign’s strong suit, Ram, but this week you’ll find it easier than usual to exert a little self-control. Good things DO come to those who wait, after all. On Wednesday, the Aries Sun in your first house of personal initiative forms an easy trine (harmonious 60-degree angle) to patient, principled Saturn in Sagittarius and your ninth house of worldly expansion. Bigger, stronger, faster? Yes, please! But you don’t need to blow up at warp speed. With this cosmic confab, you’re both a visionary AND a planner. Slow down and map out the milestones you’d like to reach along the way. Make sure that your grand plans are being built to last, with the smallest carbon footprint, and the greatest integrity possible. It’s better to take the long road now if that means doing things right. Also, identifying smaller steps helps an outsized mission seem achievable. As the old proverb asks, how do you eat an elephant? Answer: one bite at a time. If you’re feeling confident with your game plan already, this is the week to go out and sell it. Don’t waste time on the low-hanging fruit—or worse, lay your pearls before swine. Aim higher and shop your ideas around to people who can actually effect change and help open doors for you. Since you’re the independent type, you might even start setting aside funds from your day job to flow towards an entrepreneurial venture, a seminal vacation, or even to go back to school for a degree or certification.

One area of life where you DON’T want to overextend yourself this week, however, is love. On Friday, romantic Venus gets into a tangled angle with boundless Jupiter. As a result, your generosity could wind up having the reverse effect of what you intended, leaving the object of your affections feeling obligated and pressured. Just because you’re excited about a big idea, don’t expect your other half to immediately get on board. Come prepared with facts, figures and a sensible case if you want to enlist them in your big ideas. Single? The rush of romance could sweep you away near Friday, but try to keep one foot planted in the reality zone. Find out who this person actually is and what he or she is about. Do your values mesh or clash? And while differences can create chemistry, are your lifestyles honestly compatible? If you’re a hardcore 9-5er, trying to date a touring rocker could leave you feeling like two ships passing in the night. Use both heart and head this week, Aries, and ask yourself these realistic questions before tweeting to the world that you’ve met The One! Also, keep a tight rein on your spending. The Venus-Jupiter square can whet your appetite for luxury. You’ve been known to lose good sense in the face of an enticing purchase, especially if it falls into the “collectibles” category. But you could easily blow the April rent on a “once in a lifetime” toy and get yourself stuck in a rut that’s hard to pull out of.

Saturday’s quarter moon in Cancer sounds the call for domestic bliss. Does Chateau Aries feel like a lively sanctuary where you can not only relax but also have space to explore your hobbies and creative pursuits? Some rearranging may be in order to make your home as functional as it is beautiful. Build those shelves—and also the cabinets to tuck away what is best kept out of sight. This moon’s balancing beams can help you make peace with a female relative or another important woman in your life. While you don’t want to bow to her demands, you could probably afford to compromise a little more. Don’t let your need to be right interfere with what’s best for everyone involved.

They knew you were trouble when you walked in—and that renegade spirit is totally your charm, Aquarius! But do people also know how capable you actually are? This is your week to show and prove, earning your MVP status amongst the ranks. With the confident Sun sweetly angled to capable Saturn (strongest on Wednesday, the 25th) you could really make a difference for a group or organization that you’re a part of. You don’t have to run for treasurer or turn into a sacrificial martyr to prove your mettle. (Phew!) It’s your insight, ideas and motivating energy that will be most valuable now. You might take the initiative to get a brainstorming session underway, or call a committee meeting to get everyone organized and on the ball. Play the project manager role if you must take the lead. You’ll be great at diplomatically delegating and keeping people inspired to actually roll up their sleeves and do the work. Does Team Aquarius need a few new recruits? Reach out to people who you think would make great additions. There is strength in numbers this week. The RIGHT numbers, that is. Discerning Saturn also sounds the call for developing more quality connections too. If you’re the class president type of Aquarius (a thousand acquaintances but, wait…who ARE your true friends?) take a break from your “constituency” and spend this week hanging out one-on-one with a couple people who you know you could go deeper with. Hey, these might even be friends you’ve had for years. Give them priority and your undivided attention.

Friday’s quirky square (90 degree angle) between Venus and Jupiter can make you quite the emo one—especially in the game of love. It’s not like you to tear up at the thought of puppies, sunsets and red roses…or is it? Drop that cynical mask and stop hiding behind your humor. You could be genuinely touched by someone you adore—and if you are, DO say something about it. Your gushiness could be a little over-the-top and even a tad surprising to people who aren’t used to seeing this side of you. Just go with it. Speaking of which, when was the last time you acknowledged the people in your family or your inner circle? It’s easy to just go through the motions, getting irritated by their annoying habits or oversights. But at the end of this week, you’ll want to focus on gratitude and what you DO appreciate about your loved ones. Thanking them for the simplest of things can make a huge difference in the quality of your relationships.

On Saturday, grab the leaf blower and the Dirt Devil, too. The quarter moon in Cancer and your sixth house of efficiency sounds the call for a spring cleanup. Scrub out those dusty corners, wipe down shelves, take a haul of clothes to the Goodwill. You could get used to a little more of a minimalist’s lifestyle, Aquarius—you’ll just feel lighter without all that stuff filling every cupboard, drawer and closet. The earthy energy of the sixth house lures you out into the fresh air too. If you have a sunny indoor spot in your home, plant some veggie starts that you can transfer to a bed or window box. Homegrown summer salads are in the stars for you! If you need to catch up on a work project or polish up your presentation materials, don’t put it off until Monday. A few dedicated hours this weekend—shopping for a meeting outfit, tweaking your LinkedIn profile, answering emails—can give you the leading edge when you step into the office next week.

Keep your powersuit pressed and ready, Cancer. There’s major momentum for your career this week and you’ll want to capitalize on it! The Sun is shining brightly in Aries and your tenth house of success until April 20, so you’re definitely in mover and shaker mode. On Wednesday, March 25, status-boosting Saturn will form an auspicious angle (a trine) to the Sun, helping you establish yourself as a force to be reckoned with. Forget about coasting up the ladder though. Saturn is parked in Sagittarius and your sixth house of structure, order and routine. You’ll need to be organized and on your game if you want to make the most of this cosmic gift. Also, be prepared for some good old-fashioned sweat-on-the-brow work. Burning the midnight oil may be necessary early in the week to ensure that every detail is handled. Make a point of doing your work with integrity and going out of your way to prove your dependability by popping on the project manager’s hat and mapping out schedules and coordinating correspondences. Show up on time for appointments, research facts and figures to support your presentations, and add the nurturing touch. That box of buttercream-frosted cupcakes you bring to your 3 p.m. appointment can sweeten the deal more than you realize.

In love, keep an open mind and heart—but don’t compromise your standards. A tricky square (90 degree angle) between romantic Venus and expansive Jupiter could make you uncharacteristically trusting of people who might not be worthy of your confidence in them. You could be a little too quick to set aside common sense when faced with a sexy rebel type—or someone who lures you with material goods. What looks like a baller, walks and talks like a baller isn’t necessarily that. Don’t be fooled by the leather jacket or John Varvatos suit. Image does not tell the full story this week; in fact, a Venus-Jupiter square can make evidence misleading. If you’re in a relationship, be careful what you share with your friends or on social media near Friday. Your complaints could get back to your sweetie through the grapevine, creating unnecessary drama. If you’re unhappy with an aspect of your relationship, try talking directly to your partner or at least venting to a proactive listener who will respect your confidentiality. Airing your grievances to your girlfriends, however, could leave you feeling judged or misunderstood this week.

On Saturday, a quarter moon in Cancer shines its balancing beams on you. How about a little springtime spruce-up, Crab? While you don’t have to overhaul your image, you might brighten things up with a pop of color or an edgy new ‘do. And does your calendar have enough whitespace for you to pursue your own projects and personal interests? It’s easy to get swept along in helping out your friends and family, but earmark some slots that are just for Numero Uno. Sign up for that writing workshop or biweekly sessions with a trainer. Wherever you want to do a little self-improvement would be worth the investment now.

Tulip tables, Eames chairs and sheepskin throws—oh my! Making your environments feel like sacred sanctuaries could be a bit of an obsession this week, Capricorn. With the Aries Sun lighting up your domestic fourth house from March 20-April 20, the interiors bug may already have bitten. But on Wednesday the 25th, the Sun locks into a flowing angle (trine) with your ruling planet Saturn, helping you make some genuine progress on these beautifying missions. Saturn is currently drifting through your dreamy, spiritual twelfth house loading everything you do with added depth and meaning. Beyond a visually pleasing scheme, what mood is evoked when you step into your bedroom, cubicle, or even your car? Tuck objects that trigger stressful or unpleasant thoughts into a savvy storage system. (Container Store drive-by, anyone?) Create a sensory experience: Kill the overhead lighting and opt instead for lamps with dimmer switches; use an essential oil diffuser—including the kind that plugs into your car’s USB or lighter port. You’re a fabulous host this week, but don’t rush to put a leaf in your dining table. Aim for more intimate gatherings and one-on-ones where you can make a heartfelt connection to friends, both new and old.

Friday’s lusty square between Venus and wild-child Jupiter could push you past the Caution tape and into some daring new territory. Consider yourself fairly warned: This “anything goes” transit can lead you down temptation’s trail in ways that you might wake up to regret. Although it might seem sexy to be experimental and liberated in the moment, don’t dismiss your emotions along the way. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable, vocalize your bottom line and create a safeword if you’re dabbling in the Fifty Shades domain. On the flip side, the Venus-Jupiter square (90 degree angle) can inflate drama and jealousy. If the green-eyed monster pays you a visit near Friday, don’t rush to react. This reality-bending cosmic energy could truly cause you to make mountains out of molehills. While you may indeed have an issue to sort out and negotiate, doing so in the heat of the moment could burn a bridge irreparably. Get a levelheaded friend on the phone instead of thumb-typing accusations to the object of your affections.

Fortunately, Saturday’s quarter moon in Cancer and your seventh house of relationships restores sanity and equilibrium. As a future-fixated sign, you may have stressed yourself out trying to plan a happily-ever-after. Rein it on back to the here and now—or maybe just the next 3-6 months. Do you want “more” from a particular partnership? Carping about what’s going wrong isn’t going to bring about your desired results. Instead, create an inviting picture of what the next level of your connection could look like. As a sign that likes certainty, it can be helpful to write out the terms, whether you’re co-creating a love affair, business plan or an extracurricular event. If you’re the type of Capricorn who puts work first and people second, switch it up this weekend. It’s great that you’re such a hustler and provider, but your loved ones need time and attention too. Make a deposit in the emotional bank account to keep your connections on track.

Groups can be daunting, even for a social butterfly like you. But they don’t have to be if you can see the collective for what it is—an assembly of individuals. Break the ice this week by approaching people one on one. Send an email to set up a coffee date or brunch. You shine in two-person conversations, where you can really focus on the fascinating soul sitting across from you and ask all those curious questions a Gemini always has. If you’re already part of an organization, strengthen your standing by using this same approach. With stable Saturn in Sagittarius and your partnership zone forming an easy angle (trine) to the magnetic Sun in Aries and your teamwork house on Wednesday, you could solidify your bonds with the movers and shakers in the crew. As you’ve always known, Gemini, success hinges upon having strong relationships. Keep on building your contact database; and if it’s time to tap a VIP in the files for a favor, Wednesday will be the golden day to make your big ask. If you have an opportunity to play Superconnector or hook someone up, don’t hesitate this week. Just make sure that you can truly stand behind this person’s work ethic and integrity. You are putting your name on the line, after all, and their actions WILL reflect on you.

Romantic relationships could hit a speed bump later in the week. On Friday, love planet Venus locks horns with truth-bearer Jupiter, which could get you all riled up about a situation you THOUGHT you had left in the past. With Venus in your twelfth house of sacrifices, denial, and subconscious pain, it’s possible that you were too quick to extend the olive branch or sweep unworkable behavior under the rug. Look out though! Candid Jupiter is in your communication house giving you a razor sharp tongue. Although you have a legit complaint, the way that you lob it will determine whether bridges are built or burned. If you agreed to go along with a plan that isn’t working for you, the Jupiter-Venus square provokes a change. Remember, though, you DID agree to this, Gemini. Don’t waste time getting mad at people for “taking advantage of you.” Be proactive instead: Admit that, while you gave this arrangement a go, you’ve realized that it’s not making you happy, and you need to work out a new way of doing things. If you’re worried about hitting that same old sticking point, have a read of Harriet Lerner’s The Dance Of Connection before you broach the tricky topic.

Spend the weekend sifting through your finances—not just preparing your tax returns but also figuring out your actual budget for the next few months. Saturday’s quarter moon in Cancer and your second house of income sounds the call for a savvier balance. You love your retail therapy splurges, but are you also setting aside enough for those invariable rainy days and longer-term investments? If your accountant is a little too 101 for your liking, upgrade to an actual financial planner or money manager. If you’re not attracting the cash you know you deserve, polishing up your professional image can help. Like attracts like, so if you want to work with a higher caliber of people, you have to project yourself that way. Give your online profiles a sleek upgrade and consider investing in (or starting a savings account for) a few key working wardrobe pieces that are classic and versatile. A tailored white shirt, amazing shoes and a buttery leather bag could be your go-to’s for days to come.

Cast a wider net, Leo! This week, your lucky breaks could come from people and organizations outside of your postal code. Chalk it up to Wednesday’s auspicious angle between the Aries Sun in your global ninth house and stable Saturn in Sagittarius, which is activating your fifth house of fame and creativity. What’s happening in the London office, or maybe Mumbai? Working with people in different corners of the world, either online or IRL, could bring an exciting new dimension to your life. With both the Sun and Saturn in fellow fire signs, you’ll feel totally in your element—a great confidence booster for stretching and taking risks. Be certain that your Leo flamboyance, outre style and showmanship will come in handy. That said, Saturn demands that you bring both the sizzle AND the steak. In any endeavor you dive into, figure out the scope of the project before you enter “Go!” mode. You’re certainly capable of taking on a larger mission, but you also have a tendency to bite off more than you can chew. It might be best to break your project into phases so you can ride the wave of achievement every step of the way. Don’t expect to become an overnight millionaire from your enterprising endeavors, but in the meanwhile, don’t undercharge for your valuable services. This Forbes article on 3 Keys To Making It As An Artist Without Starving might spur some illuminating insights: http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelhennessey/2013/04/02/3-keys-to-making-it-as-an-artist-without-starving/

In love, you’re a bit of an unguided missile this week—especially on Friday when romantic Venus in Taurus butts heads with Jupiter in Leo. While you’re busy fantasizing about a happily-ever-after, you could set up false expectations in others. Rule of thumb: Don’t make promises you aren’t prepared to keep. Building a castle in the clouds might seem romantic in the moment, but if that means being permanently shacked up with a grumpy beast or all-talk-no-action type, you certainly don’t want to assign yourself such a fate. There’s also a tendency to try to keep up with the Joneses in love. Be careful not to compare your partner to your friend’s “perfect spouse.” Everyone has flaws, Leo, and what seems idyllic on the outside rarely is. Single Lions could fall for someone who projects an image of power and authority. While the Zeus archetype is certainly sexy, you’re not down for a domineering mate. Smitten though you may be, make sure your crush knows when to turn off that control switch and respect your autonomy—or at least work it like Christian Grey, respecting your safewords when it’s time for a Red Room romp!

Saturday’s quarter moon in Cancer lands in your twelfth house of healing and completions. Should it stay or should it go? Embrace a minimalist ethos and do a sweep of your stuff and things. You might decide to donate that dress you only wore once (three years ago) to a friend who would rock it regularly—or make a little extra cash hawking it on eBay. Tucking away some of your fabulous “objet” in cabinets can help other pieces shine. This quarter moon also sounds the call for forgiveness and compassion. While you certainly shouldn’t sweep someone’ misdeeds under the rug, perhaps you’ve come down a little hard on them. On the flip side, stop making excuses for someone’s bad behavior. A friend’s destructive tendencies—even an addiction—could be creating messes for herself and everyone around her. Ignoring it is as good as enabling it. A tough love talk is in order where you let her know it’s time to clean up her act or you are outta there.

Building solid relationships has always been your secret to success, Libra. This week, keep that strategy firmly in place. On Wednesday, March 25 the Aries Sun in your seventh house of partnerships will be beautifully angled to solid Saturn in your third house of kindred spirits. Their combined powers can help you lock in some lasting connections—with people who can match your zeal AND pick up where you leave off. You could put a business agreement in writing, get engaged, or co-sign documents. This Sun-Saturn trine (60-degree angle) brings some rescue remedy to relationships that have been rocky of late. But rather than giving ‘til it hurts—or developing too much of a dependency on a generous person—you need to set smarter limits. Aim for a fair balance, but as the expression goes, don’t go to the apple tree for cherries. Expecting people to give you something that isn’t in their wheelhouse will be an endless exercise in frustration. If you’re constantly squabbling with a BFF, lover, or creative partner over a particular duty, it might be best to outsource it to a third party who actually excels in the area where you both struggle.

On Friday, signals scramble in the game of love. Free-spirited Jupiter in your “anything goes” eleventh house locks horns with your ruling planet Venus, which is in your possessive, seductive eighth house. The green-eyed monster could make an unceremonious appearance, but you may also be a little too quick to brush off a legitimate grievance. Get the facts before you react or start flinging accusations around. You may indeed need more time, focus and attention from the one you adore—but throwing a fit will not endear you to your lover. On the flip side are Libras who are feeling the urge for greater freedom in relationships. If you’re going to play with a more open arrangement, take it one step at a time. The whimsical energy you’re feeling on Friday could come back to haunt you. You’re more attached than you realize, Libra, so don’t play Russian roulette with someone who treats you right. It might seem like a good idea to be more experimental in the bedroom under this Venus-Jupiter transit—another slippery slope. Sex is never really “just sex” for your sensitive sign, so if you’re going to stretch your boundaries, make sure you have a supportive person who respects a safeword and isn’t going to push you to do something if you suddenly feel uncomfortable!

This weekend, take a little time to reflect on and refine your long-term career goals. With a quarter moon in Cancer and your tenth house of success, you might need to tweak your game plan a bit. Is a project moving at too slow of a pace for your liking? Perhaps you need to outsource an aspect of it in order to get that mission accomplished. Publicizing and marketing your work can be equally important to having a stellar final outcome. Use social media or host an event to get the word out about your latest and greatest accomplishments. If you’re more of a “company man” try strategically alerting the key decision makers of your latest wins. You might set up a review before you leave the office on Friday so you can check in with the powers that be. Have you been plugging away at work only to discover that your heart isn’t actually into what you’re doing? This balancing quarter moon can help you make a few adjustments. As a social Libra, having a team to interface with—or even being seated in a more active area of the office—can improve the quality of your experience. If your career is more solitary, set up regular sessions with a coach or join a mastermind group so you can bounce around ideas and not feel so alone. Renting a desk in a coworking space can also bring that sense of community your sign craves.

“Seeming to do is not doing,” quipped Thomas Edison, whose words hit rather close to home for Pisces this week. You’re no stranger to making sacrifices, draining and scattering your energy as you rush around to get it all done. But what if you didn’t have to work so hard to accomplish your goals? And what if a few of those missions could simply be removed from your plate? This Wednesday the 25th, an efficiency-boosting angle between the Sun and Saturn helps you conserve your resources and rethink your game plan. Some very basic tricks can make a world of difference for your serenity. When you make appointments and plans, set an END time in addition to a start time. Let friends know up front that you have two hours for brunch, for example. Set timers when you’re working on jobs—and forget about multitasking: A concentrated fifteen minute effort—without the distraction of e-mails, mobile texts, or peeks at a friend’s tweets—can make you miraculously productive. Try out a system like the Eisenhower Matrix that divides your to-do’s into quadrants of Urgent/Not Urgent and Important/Not Important. This helpful tool will clear the brain fog and make it all too obvious which jobs to prioritize and which to strike from the list for good: http://lifehacker.com/dwight-eisenhowers-best-productivity-tricks-1579214953.

On Friday, the devil is in the details—for better and for worse. Amorous Venus gets into a tangled angle with hedonistic Jupiter making you a little bit obsessive and particular. You’ll want things done “just so,” with little patience for variation. This can be a positive if you’re the one in charge of planning a date or preparing a surprise for your sweetie. But if you’re on the receiving end of someone’s affections, it might feel like nothing is good enough for you. Remember that people need to be trained in your tastes. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by critiquing someone’s genuine effort to please you. No, you don’t have to pretend that you love chunky statement earrings when you’re more of a delicate diamond studs kinda gal—or vice versa. But start from a place of gratitude and direct from there. It’s a little too easy to get swept into the rumor mill near Friday, too. You could hear some disturbing news about someone you adore, but go on your own fact-finding mission before you believe the news from the grapevine. And be careful not to blurt out other people’s sensitive secrets: Venting to friends about your partner could constitute a betrayal if you overshare.

On Saturday, the quarter moon in Cancer and your fifth house of self-expression and romance brings a gentle wave of spring fever. Like the tulips and magnolias, you could afford to be a little showier with your colorful style and imaginative flair. As Pisces Anais Nin wrote, “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Let your playful, passionate side take the wheel this weekend. Remember that quarter moons are about balance and harmony. You don’t need to overwhelm with the outre; just pump up the volume a little bit. Book the salon trip, add some brights to your closet, and schedule a weekend photoshoot with a pro snapper or your friend with the enviable Instagram feed.

Dear Speedy Sagittarius: Slow down a little this week, and savor the creative process. With the Aries Sun lighting up your fertile and flamboyant fifth house until April 20th, you’re bubbling over with passion and new ideas. But you’ve also been a little ADD, your hands in so many pots that it’s hard to bring anything to fruition. This Wednesday, March 25 structured Saturn—who happens to be on a three-year tour through Sagittarius—locks into a supportive angle with the Sun. Their collective directive? Streamline, simplify and focus. No, that doesn’t water down your kaleidoscope vision. Your imagination can run as wild and colorful as that of legendary Parisian designer Loulou de la Falaise. Just pick ONE (or, okay, two) big goals you want to pull off this week and dive in. Be patient with your process—it might not be pretty the whole way through. As Sagittarius author Joan Didion shared, “I start a book and I want to make it perfect, want it to turn every color, want it to be the world. Ten pages in, I’ve already blown it, limited in, made it less, marred it. That’s very discouraging. I hate the book at that point.” Should you find yourself in a state of angst with your own work this week, keep on pushing through. Saturn’s iron will, along with the Sun’s rocket-fuel, speeds you to the finish line, where you’ll happily celebrate your accomplishments when the job is done.

On Friday, the romantic idealist in you has a turn at the wheel when love planet Venus locks into a tricky square (90 degree angle) with your ruling planet Jupiter. Your vision of love is certainly ambitious, but can any mere mortal live up? People can’t always be “on,” Sagittarius, and no one comes without a special bouquet of human flaws. Rather than seeking perfection—or buying into the illusion of it that someone is trying to sell you—figure out if you can live with someone’s “for worse.” Bursting your own bubble won’t be easy, but it will keep you from feeling blindsided later when the object of your affection invariably falls from the pedestal. If you’re in a relationship, avoid playing coach to your sweetie. You might have THE answer, but spelling it out for your sweetie—or worse, rushing in for the save—will create a lopsided power dynamic that leaves you drained and creates an unfulfilling dependency on you. As much as you hate to watch your loved ones struggle, when it comes to their core issues, they have to figure them out on their own.

Saturday’s quarter moon in your seductive eighth house helps you bring sexy back. Instead of looking outside yourself for that rush, stoke your own embers. Dance, sing, go to yoga. Moving your breath and your body are what will get you back to your erogenous zone. Have you been feeling a tad possessive, even a little jealous, lately? Let envy be your guide instead of your downfall. Rather than begrudging others or sipping the Haterade, create your own remix of the things you are coveting. This quarter moon could also reveal a passive income stream that helps you make money, quite literally, in your sleep!

Started from the bottom, now you’re here! Like rapper-signmate Drake, you could make some major strides this week, Scorpio—but it’s going to take some humility and elbow grease to ascend. This Wednesday, March 25 the confidence boosting Sun forms a lucky trine (60 degree angle) to stalwart Saturn giving you all the muscle you need to pull off a mission. Pop on the project manager’s chapeau and break it all down to the basics: What tools, people-power, resources and timeline do you need to accomplish your goals? Make conservative estimates since it’s better to be overstocked than underprepared at the moment. With both celestial bodies parked in the most pragmatic houses of your chart, you must keep it real about what you’re actually able to achieve with the finite time and resources you have at your disposal. You may decide to simplify one of your projects or roll it out in smaller phases. This is not a failure, Scorpio; in fact, having smaller milestones to celebrate will keep you motivated along the way. Make stress-reduction a priority! As you map out your weekly schedule be sure to include time for exercise and eating healthy meals at regular intervals. You’re not a machine, remember? But even our gadgets require electricity and fuel to run so keep your tanks filled and you won’t burn out before the finish line.

On Friday, a tricky angle (square) between romantic Venus and limitless Jupiter could cause you to overshoot the mark in love. When you’re smitten, you just want to dive into the emotion ocean and plunge to the endless depths. But fantasizing aloud about the future could actually set off someone’s alarm bells towards the weekend. This is true in business alliances too. Keep your cards a little closer to your vest (in other words, stay true to your Scorpio nature) and be alluring instead of aggressive. Of course, if you’ve veered to the opposite extreme, dropping nary a hint to show your interest, the Venus-Jupiter square can break you out of the chamber of secrets. Start dropping that breadcrumb trail and see if you get a nibble. Single? Don’t judge a book by its cover while you’re out, uh, prospecting this weekend. Appearances can be deceiving under this cosmic transit—especially when it comes to people who present themselves as high profile or moneyed but might not actually have the connections or resources they are claiming.

On Saturday, the quarter moon in Cancer helps you cast a wider net. You don’t trust easily, Scorpio, but you may be limiting yourself by staying in the safety zone. Branch out socially and spend your weekend around worldly and well-traveled people. While you’re at it, reach out to contacts living in different postal codes. This could easily inspire you to hit the “Book Now” button on an out-of-state or overseas flight. Were you too quick to dismiss a long-distance relationship as unworkable? Geographical barriers don’t have to be dealbreakers, so explore alternative arrangements to being so “all or nothing” about your bond. An entrepreneurial venture or media project will be blessed by this quarter moon’s beams. Take a calculated risk to advance it to the next stage of the game. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Dive into the emotion ocean, Taurus, but don’t forget to wear your scuba gear! A flowing angle (trine) between the Sun and discerning Saturn can help you make sense of all those feelings you’ve been gripped by lately. Ever since Saturn entered your intense and probing eighth house this past December 23, you’ve been more introspective—and sensitive—than usual. You simply can’t dismiss your intuition or the wisdom of your heart anymore, even if it doesn’t jive with your pragmatic outlook on life. Yep, your EQ, or emotional intelligence, is rising quickly! During Wednesday’s exact Sun-Saturn trine, you could use those gifts to play Best Supporting Castmate to a loved one who is having a bit of a meltdown. Bring your compassion AND your planning skills and you’ll have ‘em back on their feet in no time. How about your own heartbreaks and disappointments? If you need to mourn a loss or transition, the Sun-Saturn trine helps you do so proactively. Give yourself a little window of time to fall to pieces, cry, scream, vent—whatever it takes to get those emotions out of your body. Let your shadow have its say and you’ll move back into the light before you know it. As Margaret Atwood wrote, “Love blurs your vision; but after it recedes, you can see more clearly than ever. It’s like the tide going out, revealing whatever’s been thrown away and sunk: broken bottles, old gloves, rusting pop cans, nibbled fishbodies, bones. This is the kind of thing you see if you sit in the darkness with open eyes, not knowing the future.” Another gift of the Sun-Saturn trine is that it can help you put a structure behind a more fanciful or creative mission. Art and commerce CAN combine now, so put a price tag on your imaginative offerings!

On Friday, wide-eyed Jupiter locks into a tricky square (90 degree angle) with your ruling planet Venus, which happens to be touring Taurus until April 11. In your desire to give and share, you could deplete yourself. A family member or close friend may want a little more of your time and energy than you have to give. Don’t feel guilty about negotiating a workable arrangement. Even if this person HAS been there for you in the past, you’re not doing anyone any favors by saying yes to a plan you just don’t have time for. Besides, you’ll just show up all stressed out and resentful and that’s no fun. Creative ideas for decorating your home could flood in so summon your inner Kelly Wearstler and get a weekend project underway. One caveat: The Venus-Jupiter square can make you a little too loose with your cash. You don’t have to spend a fortune on every knob and fixture. Make a budget and even get creative with salvaged or upcycled materials. Your decor scheme will be a lot more original that way.

Saturday’s quarter moon in Cancer brings out the social butterfly in you. Have your BFFs been getting shortchanged as you pursued new friendships and interests? Plan a weekend gathering to bring together your true blue crew and these fresh recruits. Just don’t get upset if your pals wind up connecting and making plans on their own. It doesn’t mean they’re abandoning you; it just shows what a great connector you are.

You don’t need a secret decoder ring to get to the truth this week, Virgo. Your razor sharp intuition will do the trick just fine. On Wednesday, March 25 the illuminating Sun locks into a dynamic dance with discerning Saturn, helping you parse the real from the fake. Pay attention to gut feelings and follow your hunches. While you’ll want to do a thorough investigation and fact checking, trust that you’ve sniffed out something that needs further examination here. These near-psychic powers are good for more than just cracking a dramatic case. Let your sixth sense be your guide when it comes to approaching people who you have the impulse to talk to as well. That “stranger” in the latte line could wind up being an important business contact or even your Friday night date. And if you sense that a colleague needs a supportive ear, pull her aside for a private conversation. She probably needs to open up to a trustworthy soul—and you can step into that role with grace. An intimate relationship could get even cozier under this Sun-Saturn trine (60 degree angle). Domestic bliss could lie ahead: This is a great week to discuss cohabitation, co-sign a lease or shop around for shared property. Real estate ventures of all manner get a boost from the Sun-Saturn trine, so even if you’re shopping solo for new digs or a rental property as an investment, the housing gods are on your side.

On Friday, however, home is the LAST place you’ll want to be. With a restless connection between Venus and Jupiter, your escapist urges will be strong. The trouble is, you’ll also be gripped by a severe case of FOMO, which could make it hard for you to actually enjoy anywhere that you land. Remember, Virgo, you’re always missing out on something! Forget about trying to find THE place to be, and just settle on something that is plenty good enough. The fun part may actually be the people around you—but you won’t figure that out if you have one platform wedge out the door. In love, it’s a little too easy to romanticize—or catastrophize—with Venus and Jupiter squared off. If you find yourself going to either extreme, text a levelheaded friend for a reality check. This is not the time to get swept away in a fantasy—or to get swept under by worrying about “what if.” The future will unfold on its own. Mantra of the weekend: Be here now!

On Saturday, spend a little time sorting: work friends, casual friends, true friends. With a quarter moon in your eleventh house of networking you may realize the need to spend your social time more selectively. You’re certainly popular and in-demand, but which relationships are bringing the truest ROI? In your quest for success, you might have given work friends the lion’s share of your time. Make sure the loyalists from your past get some of your undivided attention too. On the flip side, you might actually need to get out a little more. Consider joining a networking group or another industry organization that can help you make key contacts and expand your reach. There is strength in numbers, so if you’re in a bind, the problem could very well be your insistence on doing it all alone—and YOUR way.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-23-27/feed/0Watch This: Happy Friday Movie Mashuphttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/watch-this-happy-friday-movie-mashup/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/watch-this-happy-friday-movie-mashup/#commentsFri, 20 Mar 2015 19:20:19 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55958It’s the first day of spring and only hours until the weekend starts–two pretty good reasons to get up and dance. Here’s another–Risky Business, Grease, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Bring It On and scenes from 84 other movies with one thing in common: getting down.

Fashion Month flew right by, but, before signing off on our coverage, we had to have one last dig through our global trend reporter’s files to take a look at all the want-worthy shoes. Hundreds of images later (Crystal’s a busy woman!), we managed to narrow it down to 56 pairs we’d totally make room for in our closets. And, in case you’re as into shoes as we are, we’re sharing them all here and linking you up to similar pairs; click your favorite(s) to shop right now.

You’ve probably heard the modern, headphone-y pop music of Toronto duo Majid Jordan without knowing it through Drake: they wrote and were featured on Drake’s hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” and on “Legend,” he shouts them out, saying their album will drop this year on his label OVO.

Jamie Webster handles the entire visual presence of the group (Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman) as creative director, in between his creative director and partner roles at the Common Good production company and design studio and co-owning the bar Dog & Bear. He took us site by site through the insiders’ tour of Toronto that is the music video for “Forever,” which he directed.

“The idea was to provide their audience with a glimpse of Toronto through Majid Jordan’s eyes. Not the CN Tower or cheesy buskers at Yonge-Dundas Square. It’s not a Toronto tourist video. It’s spaces that are cool or have a significance to us. We see the way the city is depicted and it’s often way off the mark.”

So this is the Toronto dancer Ruthless, and he’s in the Common Good underground space. We’ve got a shooting space down in our basement. The idea is he’s making his own device to play music from, and you’ll notice that he spray-paints the Majid Jordan logo on there.

Then he’s out on the street and you can see Majid Jordan behind him, in a cameo. Our thought was to bring a giant boombox with us, have Ruthless doing improvisations and choreography by my friend Lenny De La Pena, and just see what happened. So we’re in Chinatown in one of those stores that sells everything and nothing at the same time. Chinatown is the last bastion for places that haven’t been totally gentrified. Definitely you gotta check out People’s Eatery there. That’s the spot.

This is one of my favorite spots. It’s close to my house, on the corner of College and Gladstone. It’s run by this awesome Korean couple. It’s just got this aesthetic that I like, a weird teal, several different greys. We matched Ruthless’ outfit to those colors.

That’s our favorite subway station. Toronto subway stations all have their own aesthetic, and this one has a cool 1970s vibe with that cool tile mosaic. These dudes were actually playing Twister on the subway.

Don’t try to do too much this Saturday, and avoid overplanning. A merger of the moon and freewheeling Uranus in Aries puts your indie spirit in charge. Any sort of restrictions will cramp your style in a major way. You’ll be at your best while on the move, allowing your imagination free reign. Give your workaholic tendencies the weekend off. When you go with the flow, that elusive “Eureka!” moment will strike when you least expect it, perhaps while soaking in a lavender-infused tub or meandering through an art exhibit. Sensuality is the name of the game on Sunday, thanks to a moon-Venus merger. Romance surrounds you, Aries; all you have to do is tune into it. The trick is to simply slow down. Allow yourself to take pleasure in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of your day-to-day experiences. Being present to it all activates your magnetic mojo. When you stop to smell the crocuses, you can’t help but to naturally attract intriguing souls into your world.

Let. It. Go. Saturday’s mashup of the moon and changemaker Uranus in your twelfth house of closure shines a light on the lessons learnt from a difficult situation. The big picture now comes into focus, helping you recognize that those tough experiences have led to immense positive growth. This cosmic confab gives you the courage to release those situations or people that no longer serve you. While this might not be the end of the road right now, taking some space from it will allow things to move toward their inevitable conclusion. On Sunday, a merger of the moon and Venus in your sign builds your enthusiasm and energy. In the name of maximizing the day’s fun factor, don’t tie yourself down to any one obligation. And if you’ve locked yourself into an engagement, who says you can’t change your mind? You’ll be happiest on the go. Bond with buddies over brunch, then meander through an avant-garde art exhibit. But don’t stop there. Indulge in something special from the boutique district, and debut it tonight as you paint the town crimson.

Seeking approval? Saturday’s stars could bring out your chameleon-like ways, especially when it comes to a certain group. Resist the urge to alter your personality in the hopes of getting in good with them. And if that tactic somehow does win them over, are you really prepared to build a relationship based on falsities? Besides, the authentic you is more than good enough, so share the Gemini love. Start with the most open-minded of the bunch and you could come across an intriguing new scene, or even be inspired to become a hands-on member of an activist group. Your tribe might even be waiting for you online. On the off chance you can’t find a club you feel at home in, start your own. Sunday’s stars give your control freak the day off. A moon-Venus mashup in your twelfth house of release makes it easy to surrender. Be it closing the door on a bad romance or simply letting your pals set the agenda for the afternoon, going with the flow is the way to go. When you let things unfold organically, you open yourself up to a world of fresh possibilities. There are no such thing as coincidences on Sunday—see it as the universe’s way of leaving you a trail of breadcrumbs.

You’re nobody’s doormat, Cancer! Saturday’s stars insist that you stop allowing others to take advantage of your kindness. Enough’s enough. There’s no need to summon your inner dictator, but asserting clearer limits is a must. Push back with those who are trying to dump their duties onto your overflowing plate. Also, if you caved to the pressure and took on something you really don’t have time for, you’ve now got cosmic clearance to back out. Put your foot down! Sunday’s stars come with a claustrophobia alert, courtesy of a moon-Venus confab in your group activity sector. Don’t be rash, Cancer. Resist the urge to break up with a bestie or launch an out-and-out riot within your crew, and take some space instead. A little breathing room can bring back perspective just as long as you don’t start trashing the person who’s annoying you. Venting your irritations could veer into talking smack about good friends—something that will come back to bite you next week. Burn off your frustration by getting your body in motion: jump in on a Piloxing class, check out a walking graffiti tour, or lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails.

Hello, terra nova! Saturday’s alignment of the moon and unconventional Uranus in your travel house urges you to explore new terrain. Steer clear of all your regular hangs, and succumb to the wanderlust coursing through your veins. Hop in the car and head out of town sans GPS, and see what gems you can uncover. Do something completely out-of-the-ordinary on Saturday night with your pals. By all means, check out the reviews in print or online to scout a venue, but let your intuition be your guide. If your gut tells you it’s a place to check out, go for it! As the ninth house also rules veracity, you’ll need to be extra careful with your words. Even if you deliver the truth cushioned in a joke, it’s still liable to strike a nerve. Err on the side of kindness, Leo. Sunday’s stars call for hobnobbing with the power players. Call in a favor and get on the invite list for a high-end brunch, or attend an industry event. It may be the weekend, but networking possibilities hold huge potential. With romance planet Venus sweetly angling the moon in your success sector, sparks could fly with a contact. You know what they say about mixing business and pleasure. If you’ve got aspirations to work together, keep the conversation in the professional zone.

Buh-bye, small talk! You’re bored to tears with superficial chitchat, but Saturday’s merger of the moon and daring Uranus in your intimate eighth house helps you move beyond the same old, same old conversations. This cosmic combo encourages you to share something about yourself that you normally keep locked in the vault. This weekend, opening up can actually help develop a fledgling bond, helping others feel safe to follow suit. Bring on the meaningful heart-to-hearts! Heads up: respect other people’s secrets by keeping them under lock and key. And yes, Virgo, that also includes your closest confidantes. Craving variety? The same old scene simply won’t do this Sunday. A meetup of the moon and Venus in your worldly ninth house gives you a hankering for the eclectic. Bypass your regular spots, and try new locales on for size. With romance planet Venus in the mix, mingling might even set off cross-cultural sparks. Under this cosmic combo, a kiss is probably just a kiss. If you end up locking lips with a transient traveler, revel in the moment! Considering your light-hearted mood on Sunday, that will be just fine with you.

With Saturday’s conjunction of the moon and changemaker Uranus in your relationship sector, someone well outside your “type” could leave you swooning. Who cares if this person veers far from your typical choices? Close the opinion polls, tune out the peanut gallery, and see where this spark leads. Already attached? Work the element of surprise. Catch your love interest off guard, and do something out of the ordinary. Breaking routine can bring back the passion in a big way. Tip: choose your moment thoughtfully, so you don’t put your sweetie in an awkward position. Sunday’s stars remind you that swagger and style only go so far when it comes to real romance. Hold out for a prospect who’s got more going on than a rock-hard bod and the designer duds to match. What lies beneath the surface is what really fuels your mojo, Libra, so seek out someone with substance. Explore prospects who share your values and compassionate heart. Already attached? Don’t even think about raising THAT issue again. Let it go and focus on activating the chemistry between you. It’s a one-on-one kind of day, perfect for pillow talk.

Bridge burning alert! This Saturday, an alignment of the emo moon and erratic Uranus could tempt you to fly off the handle. Don’t go there, Scorpio. While trying to get your ideas aligned with a certain group could prove to be a challenge, that doesn’t mean a compromise can’t be found. By all means, say something if you don’t agree, but keep the conversation focused on generating solutions that everyone can live with. When all is said and done, you might find that this crew isn’t a good match, but make sure you first give it a fair shot. On Sunday, an alignment of the emo moon and romance planet Venus activates your relationship sector. You’re an all-or-nothing kind of person, Scorpio, either keeping people at arm’s length or enveloping them. With this cosmic confab ruling the skies, one particular connection could quickly evolve into an intense mind-body-soul merger—just your speed! You need your lover to also be a close confidante, so get the ball rolling and be the first to open up. While you don’t need to unlock the vault and share all your secrets, showing a little vulnerability will make it safe for others to follow suit.

Saturday’s stars leave you prone to going a tad too far to capture the limelight, opening the door to the wrong kind of attention. Your trademark shoot-from-the-hip style can be easily misinterpreted, Sagittarius, especially if you’re lacking key background information. Keep those quips in the PC zone—both online and off! Watch an overall tendency to force an agenda, too. If you find that a friend or lover isn’t keen to hop on the Archer bandwagon, don’t push it. When you take the time to really listen to their reservations, alternative solutions can emerge. Taking this approach will cement your role as a compassionate partner, not an egocentric diva. Sunday’s meetup of the moon and Venus in your self-care sector foils any plans to go on a mimosa bender. Don’t be disappointed, Sag. Besides saving your liver all that extra work, engaging in healthy behaviors can actually be a great thing for your love life. Jump in on a cardio class or stretch it out at your local yoga studio, and a swoon-worthy someone (or three) could enter your orbit. Like attracts like, so work it!

Sage smudge kit, anyone? Saturday’s moon-Uranus merger in your domestic fourth house prompts you to feather your nest. Purge your “home sweet home” of negative vibes: clear away the clutter, reconfigure the furniture, try a new color scheme. This cosmic combo is also ideal for reconnecting to your ancestors: frame your favorite childhood photos, find a special place to showcase a memento, dry clean your great grandma’s lace tablecloth and put it on display. Sunday’s alignment of the moon and romance planet Venus in your passion sector summons the hardcore flirt within. Even if you’re already attached, there’s no harm in engaging in some sexy banter—it’s fun AND it gives your ego a boost. That said, save your final rose for someone who’s got real substance and the experience to back it up. If you’re in a LTR, postpone plans to paint the living room or pick out new tiles for the kitchen floor. Sunday is best spent soaking up the cultural offerings a deux. Try a funky new brunch place, catch a foreign film, check out a play off the beaten theatrical path.

Color outside the lines with abandon, Aquarius! This Saturday, your cosmic ruler Uranus merges with the moon in your communication zone, drawing out your endearing eccentricities. The most meaningful interactions will happen with people who aren’t afraid to march to the beat of their own drum. As Uranus can be erratic, be extra cognizant of anything you put in writing. Be it a text, a Facebook comment, or a tweet, your words could leave their mark in ways you can’t predict. Keep your argumentative side on ice, and steer clear of off-color quips. While you don’t mean any harm, you could end up rocking the boat in a big way. Sunday’s merger of the moon and Venus in your fourth house of emotional ties finds you seeking more intimacy in your interactions. Move beyond small talk and move into more personal topics, even if you’re just getting to know each other. Talking about feelings helps heal the human spirit, and others will be flattered by your sincere interest in their lives. Sunday night is perfect for BFF bonding time, or a Netflix night with roomies or relatives. Hanging with your nearest and dearest allows you to fully relax, and put you in the right headspace for the upcoming week.

Pinching pennies? Don’t stress, Pisces! Saturday’s alignment of the moon and innovative Uranus in your finance zone could bless you with moneymaking mojo. Tune into the common complaints your friends make, and you could whip up a solution with a brilliant business idea. If you’re committed to a 9-to-5 gig, it’s a great time to mix things up. Take it upon yourself to drum up a special project or even a brand-new job description. You might even make a few extra bucks helping a friend get a startup off the ground. As Uranus rules the Internet, you could cash in bigtime via an online market. Think outside the virtual box! A beautiful mind is your preferred aphrodisiac on Sunday. Intriguing intellectual banter could act as a prelude for a steamy sesh a deux. When people pique your curiosity, open the door and inquire more about them. Tip: resist the urge to pipe up about your own accomplishments or tales. If you truly want to impress, boasting or puffing yourself up is NOT the way to go. Simple, sincere interest can be a real turn-on.

Here we have a little behind-the-scenes action from the photo shoot for Magic Hour, our new Pop-In@Nordstrom. For the uninitiated, Pop-Ins are recurring boutiques curated by our director of creative projects, Olivia Kim, which exist in select physical Nordstrom locations and, of course, online.

Magic Hour refers to the time at a music festival when the sun sets and tame gives way to turnt. Snapshots and a detailed statement from Olivia below.

Click catalog image to enlarge; catalog image by April Brimer, GIFs by Brit Zerbo, all other images by Donovan Nguyen

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/behind-the-scenes-magic-hour-pop-innordstrom/feed/0Pedro García’s Spainhttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/pedro-garcia/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/pedro-garcia/#commentsThu, 19 Mar 2015 12:47:23 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=49527Fashion gives us access to the world; through brands headquartered in iconic centers of design and beauty across the globe, our wardrobes travel—and we go along for the ride. Today our tour guides are Pedro García designers Pedro García and Dale Dubovich, who invite you to share in the beauty of Spain and their spring collection.

Designers Pedro García and Dale Dubovich in Tenerife, where their spring campaign was photographed

We talked to García and Dubovich about walking stylishly all over the world, and particularly in Spain. In doing so we not only uncovered great tips for your international travel (even if it’s only virtual), but we also got great insight on the cultural factors that influence their style, and the deep history and tradition of Spanish-made footwear.

Thinking about wandering? Let’s go.

We love Pedro García’s heavily fashion-influenced take on comfort—you can walk for miles in these high-style shoes! What are some of your favorite international walking cities?
The best way to get to know a city is to explore it on foot. Bologna is a city we often travel to when we’re visiting our suppliers, and we love walking around it. Many of the city’s streets are covered by colonnades, so it’s always pleasant, even on rainy days. Madrid is another of our favorite cities. That’s where we have our store, on a small pedestrian street that’s especially peaceful and welcoming despite being right in the city center—in the Salamanca district, a lively area full of stores and restaurants.

We also return to New York regularly. It’s the city where we met, while we were studying at FIT. We love Northern European cities such as Copenhagen and Antwerp. One is a Nordic city while the other is Flemish, but both are places that live and breathe good design, and we find the lifestyle—rational, imaginative, simple—very attractive.

Casa de los Balcones in Tenerife

What are the best Spanish neighborhoods or cities for strolling?El paseo in Spain and la passeggiata in Italy are deeply rooted traditions that relate to the climate and the character of each country. This is why their cities tend to have wide avenues, boulevards or seaside promenades, and our collections always include city sandals. Any of the destinations featured in our Made in Spain project would make a fantastic place for a stroll: Segovia, Asturias, Barcelona or Tenerife. Spain is an incredibly diverse country, where you can find some truly unique locations.

We want to spread the word about it with our series of Made in Spain newspapers. Each season we select a different part of Spain where, as well as shooting the collection and the campaign, we hunt out whatever makes it unique, unusual and inspiring. We’re very proud of Spain’s many different cultures.

The Pedro García flagship in Madrid

If you were to host a small group of stylish women—all wearing Pedro García, of course—and you wanted to take them on a walking tour of Alicante or Elda, where would you take them and what would they see?
The sunny climate and the proximity of the Mediterranean make Alicante and the whole of the Costa Blanca a very special area. There are countless places to visit, but Altea, a town of whitewashed houses with blue doors, and narrow cobblestone streets that wind down to the sea, is unique. So much so that poets, singers, painters, sculptors and ceramicists have made it their home. There’s also the tiny island of Tabarca, close to the city of Alicante. It has a population of less than 60; there are no roads, almost no motor vehicles, and its coastline is a marine reserve whose waters are protected. A boat trip to the island from Alicante, to eat one of the local rice dishes and spend the rest of the day there, is a must.

Pedro García shoes are so global and timeless; we feel like you could take them anywhere and they’d integrate into that city’s scene—from Paris to Tokyo to Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. What are your favorite cities for holiday and/or vacation? Where did you last travel, where are you hoping to travel next?
Our most recent trip took us on a tour of the cities of Alsace, in eastern France, close to the borders with Germany and Switzerland: Strasbourg, Basel and the towns on the banks of the Rhine. In summer we try to escape from the heat of Spain, so we travel to the North of Europe, an area we find very attractive. We also enjoy sailing, but living close to the Mediterranean coast we can do this all year round; winters are not usually cold, and there are even months when the temperatures are very pleasant. We like to improvise our vacation trips, making up our minds at the last minute without too much planning, so we don’t know what the next will be.

Behind the scenes at a Pedro García shoot

If we were to visit the town of Elda, and the Pedro García workroom where your shoes are made, where would we go for lunch or dinner? What is the local cuisine like?
We’d probably go to El Piripi, a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean food in Alicante. The food of the Spanish Levante, the area of southeastern Spain where Elda is located, has a strong maritime influence and is heavily based on fish and seafood. For example, the red prawn, a variety native to the Levante, is highly valued. Rice is another important local product. The Levante is where the famous Spanish paella originated, and in inland areas like Elda it’s made with rabbit and snails, in contrast to coastal towns where fish and shellfish are used. Other typical dishes are turrón de Alicante, a sweet nougat-like treat usually enjoyed at Christmastime made of almonds, and mistela, a sweet wine, made from the moscatel grape variety. Also typical of the area are salazones, a method of preserving food in salt. Mojama, air-dried and salt-cured tuna, and salted fish roe are two salazones that every visitor to the region should try.

Your commitment to the local economy means that all your shoes are produced there. What other goods are manufactured in the area?
Elda has shoemaking in its DNA. The town’s industries are all related to shoes and associated trades: there are heel makers, last makers, leather wholesalers and more. Practically the whole town lives from shoemaking. Our commitment as a brand is that all of Pedro García’s activity as a company should have a positive impact on the local economy. That’s why 100% of our output is produced by our artisanal shoemakers in Elda.

What do visitors typically take home as a keepsake?We would suggest a very special type of fork designed for eating rice dishes, on which the tines are fused together halfway down so that the grains of rice don’t slip off. It’s like a cross between a spoon and a fork, and it’s ideal for eating an authentic paella with alioli, the traditional sauce made with olive oil, garlic and sometimes egg. To prepare alioli, cooks use a distinctive mortar, another unusual object that could make a nice souvenir. The mortar is a traditionally made ceramic bowl with a bright yellow glaze.

Pedro García shoes have a strong aesthetic and an easily identifiable style. It makes us think of certain directors, artists and musicians whose approach is similarly succinct and recognizable. Do you have a favorite Spanish filmmaker, writer, artist, band or musician that you can turn us on to? Someone whose work is perhaps as iconic and strong as yours?It’s difficult to name specific names. For some years now, Spanish culture has found its place on the international stage. Not only actors, actresses, film directors, painters, writers, musicians or photographers, but also chefs, athletes and models. The Made in Spain concept is a success, and this is something we feel very proud of.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/pedro-garcia/feed/0Just Landed: Topshop Unique Sports Florals for Springhttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/topshop-unique-floral-sport-cara-delevingne/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/topshop-unique-floral-sport-cara-delevingne/#commentsWed, 18 Mar 2015 14:58:40 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55822Who can go from sharp sport-chic to sheer florals within the space of a runway show? In other words, what’s spring fashion’s version of zero to 60?Topshop Unique.

In a spring ’15 presentation that started and ended with the darling Ms. Delevingne, the Brits managed to rev up with racing stripes, performance details and a color mix of primary tones, baby blue and deep, rich wine. Adding a ruffle here and a ruffle there—and a measure of au natural abstraction along the way—they rounded the corner right into nighttime sheers and racy lace.

Check out our highlight reel—make that highlight GIF—presented today in celebration of our edit on all this, which is available now at Nordstrom.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/topshop-unique-floral-sport-cara-delevingne/feed/0Daytripping: Photographers (and Supercool Couple) Joel Leshefka and Krysta Jabczenski at LA’s Most Futuristic Art Palacehttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/betty-museum-krysta-jabczenski-joel-leshefka/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/betty-museum-krysta-jabczenski-joel-leshefka/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 17:46:21 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55815In a series we call “It’s Personal” we talk to artists and designers about their personal work and the projects that are closest to their hearts.

Image by Krysta Jabczenski

The first thing you need to know about photographers Joel Leshefka and Krysta Jabczenski is either a) that they are a deadly good-looking couple, b) that it’s okay to be intimidated by their combined talent or c) how to pronounce their last names. It all depends on the context.

Let’s start, instead, with what’s at hand today: their images of the stunning otherworld that is Los Angeles’s J. Paul Getty Museum and an interview to go along with them.

The Thread: Is it a coincidence that two camera-lovers met and fell in love, or did photography have something to do with the story of your meeting?
Jabczenski: Total coincidence. Unbeknownst to me at the beginning of “us,” Joel was already a skilled photographer. To this day he doesn’t identify as a photographer because he does a lot of things and photography is just a fraction of it. It wasn’t until we took our first road trip together that I understood we liked photography for the same reasons. He was the only person I had ever met who understood why I needed to pull over and photograph a boring plant. He encouraged it because he did the same thing. We both keep our eyes peeled for oddities in the mundane. Since then we’ve pretty much always had our 35mm conveniently sitting in the center console and have become the most annoying couple to drive with.

Leshefka: I had to think about this for a second. Our meeting really had nothing to do with being photographers per se, but perhaps had something to do with why we are so interested in photography? We met and didn’t know the other’s name for months, yet we saw each other every single day. In photography we both look for things that are subtle in the world, small pieces of things that seem rather ordinary but hold some sort of allure over time. I think meeting in the way we did, day after day, watching each other interact with our space is similar to why we like each other’s imagery and photos.

Image by Joel Leshefka

I assume, and I have observed, that photography has been a way for you two to collaborate. Has it ever been a source of competition or contention?
Jabczenski: Photographers can be territorial about their vision and their subject matter, and rightly so. But it’s always been different with our relationship. Joel and I take the same photos all the time. Our Instagrams are funny because he’ll post a photo and I post the same thing two seconds later. Most of the time we don’t even know we’re doing it. I think it’s sweet.

Leshefka: Thankfully no. I feel like I’ve been in all sorts of creative relationships, some competitive and some complementary. Krysta’s and my relationship is the BEST kind of complementary. We both have a genuine interest in what the other is “doing,” whether that’s photography, drawing, designing, curating or any number of things we both “dabble in.” It’s sometimes very difficult to hear criticism or feedback from people you truly love, but it’s also the absolute truest form. … If it’s competitive, it’s only in the spirit of creating something larger, more robust, or a fuller version of whatever we are attempting to manifest.

Image by Krysta Jabczenski

What was the unfolding of your trip to the Getty Museum? Was it planned or impromptu?
Jabczenski: We were in LA because I had a couple of shoots. The first shoot finished early that day and Joel was like, “I don’t care where we go, just take me somewhere.” So I just drove the three of us (Joel, our nine-month-old baby girl and I) to the Getty. Joel had never been there, which was cool because he had no idea what to expect. We only went inside one building because we spent all our time soaking in the architecture and the gardens.

Leshefka: We currently live in a city that does not have (but is not devoid of) a lot of contemporary art or large-scale architecture. Arizona is full of gorgeous decay, things that have been built and left to ruin. “Intentional” large-scale works (i.e., stuff that takes a ton of capital) for the most part don’t exist like they do in other major U.S. cities. So when we travel, it’s almost like we feel an urgency to visit these more traditional spaces. I know very little about museums, and was honestly more struck with the outside of the Getty than the inside. We were there for three or four hours, and I think spent a total of 30 minutes inside? We had a great picnic on the lawn, saw the insane cactus garden and wandered endlessly. It’s a truly spectacular space.

Image by Joel Leshefka

Image by Krysta Jabczenski

Krysta, what do Joel’s images from that day say to you?
Joel’s photography reads about humanity to me, like the residue we inherently leave on a space that speaks about our history or psychology. It’s in everything, but that day it was in the detail in the Getty’s architecture. The classic “Joel” image for me was one he took of boulders in a dry fountain. The fountain was off because of the drought. Joel looked at the patina on the fountain, the calcium buildup and the water marks. He felt lucky he was able to view the piece in a form that not many people get to see and a form that tells a more interesting story.

Image by Joel Leshefka

And Joel, what about Krysta’s pictures?
Krysta is really drawn towards how things are put together, constructed or passively…. Her images, as they always do, somehow capture the intersection of the two. She gives life to things not thought to be alive. It’s really rare, and I love that about her photos.

Image by Krysta Jabczenski

You both have ties and community in the Northwest and the Southwest, and the images in this post are from sort of right in between. Where do you belong in the world, and how does photography prove, justify or underscore that?
Jabczenski: The Southwest will probably always feel like home for me. I’ve grown up with the dirt and the sun and it’s a part of me in a lot of ways—namely my general slow pace, perpetual tan and super casual style. Aesthetically and photographically, I’m attracted to the Southwest’s sun-bleached grit, natural light, the weirdo culture in the middle of nowhere, bright colors in architecture and clothes that only the warmth seems to invite. Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel and I’d get totally stir-crazy if I had nothing to compare this to, but this is home.

Leshefka: We are both really restless people: “grass is greener” and all that. I think we both see ourselves as living in one place so we can experience it all, if that makes sense? We chose to buy a home in Tucson, to settle in, because we could buy a beautiful refurbished old adobe home from the 1880s for the same price as a condo north of Everett would cost us (no offense to Everett, but it would be far from our community in Seattle). I think our imagery, or what we get excited to share, is the product of that decision. It allows us to travel, to relax, to absorb every inch of the western U.S., which neither one of us seems to tire of…

Heading to the Getty on a whim is a product of the relationship we’ve built with our lives, the communities we feel part of and contribute to. I often feel between worlds, which when I first moved to Arizona felt isolating—like I wasn’t truly a part of anything—but lately it’s started to feel like being a part of so much more, which feels like an incredibly fortunate place to be.

Image by Joel Leshefka

Tell me about an aspect of your life where you two totally mesh and collaborate, and one where you diverge and go your separate ways.
Jabczenski: Hmm, well, mesh pretttttttty well. We work together, can spend months traveling together. I like to cook and he likes to do the dishes. I guess the major issue is pickles. I’m not allowed to eat anything pickled and try to make out with him, or he’ll flip. I don’t understand it.

Leshefka: I think we make a really good “team.” We have a ton of respect for one another, which leads to us collaborating effectively on pretty much all fronts (life partners, parents, buds, bewitched lovers, etc.). WITH ONE EXCEPTION. Krysta enjoys all things pickled, which I find wholly inappropriate and downright RUDE.

Image by Krysta Jabczenski

How does sharing your life with that beautiful little girl factor into your image-capturing lives?
Jabczenski: Well, I had to create a private Instagram account so I could get away with posting ALL photos Weston.

Leshefka: Not gonna lie. It’s waaaaaay tougher to travel with a newborn/infant, but we’ve made it a priority. Once you get going and just commit to making it work, you figure it out. She was conceived on the road, she spent the majority of her first six months on it, and it’s felt necessary for us as a couple to make that part of our life as well as hers.

It’s tough not to take 12 trillion photos of her, instead of whatever epic landscape we find ourselves in, but she does nap, which makes it easier.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/betty-museum-krysta-jabczenski-joel-leshefka/feed/1Gifted: Black and White in the Cityhttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/what-to-give-tote-bag-wallet-scarft/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/what-to-give-tote-bag-wallet-scarft/#commentsMon, 16 Mar 2015 18:28:02 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55790What’s that they say about cocktail hour—it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? It must be someone’s birthday too, right? Let our Gifted posts point you in the direction of stylish presents all year long.

Inspired by the idea of spring in the city in the era of automats and leaving it all to Beaver and June, we’re feeling like paring it all down—though not at the expense of looking chic and being current, of course. Let’s assume the friends and loved ones in your life are having a similar moment, one where lightweight tote bags are wonderfully catch-all and classic patterns are given purpose and punch.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/what-to-give-tote-bag-wallet-scarft/feed/0Your AstroTwins Weekly Horoscope for March 16-20http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-16-20/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekly-horoscope-for-march-16-20/#commentsMon, 16 Mar 2015 12:00:23 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55775Life has plenty of variables. Wouldn’t it be radical if the future was a knowable thing? Well hold on, because it just got a lot more knowable-able. We’re psyched to help you cue up and dial in your week via these new weekday/weekend horoscopes from Olivia Kim’s favorite astrologers, the AstroTwins.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Fasten your asteroid belts: This dynamic week will be filled with revolutions and revelations. It begins on Monday, March 16 when powerhouse Pluto in Capricorn forms an exact square (90 degree angle) to changemaker Uranus in Aries. Classic versus modern, “the man” versus “the people”—get ready for some value clashes in the personal sphere and on the world stage. We’ve been feeling the effects of this square since mid-February, but its most potent hit comes this Monday. While the war between the controlling old guard (Pluto) and the radical innovators (Uranus) can be rough, we’ve kind of gotten used to it. Since 2012, Pluto and Uranus have squared each other six times, shaking up the world as we know it. Police brutality, military uprisings, unified protests, net neutrality—all these intense issues have been roused by the tension between dominating Pluto and techie Uranus. Take heart! This Monday’s square is the seventh and LAST in the series. Tension may heat up for the rest of March, but we might actually find a resolution to the revolution this time around! Better still, Pluto and Uranus won’t tussle again until 2046. Here’s hoping things settle down and get a little “boring” again. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares.

On Tuesday, diplomat Venus brings some rescue remedy for the Pluto-Uranus tension. After three weeks in warrior Aries, she moves on to grounded, stable Taurus. Venus is at home here since she is the Bull’s natural ruler. Paging Aphrodite and Eros! Decadence, sensuality and luxury are the order of this Venus phase, which lasts until April 11. Old-fashioned courtship rituals could have a revival this spring. Taurus likes to take things slowly, investing in quality and relationships that can stand the test of time. Let that spring awakening unfold at a more organic pace.

The first eclipse of 2015 arrives with Friday’s new moon in Pisces. This solar eclipse in the sign of the dreamy, soulful fish could bring a worldwide awakening. There will be a total of four eclipses this year, but this is the first one to land on the Pisces/Virgo axis since a 2006-8 series. They will help us find a new balance between fantasy and facts, spirit and sensibility, creativity and logic. Both Pisces and Virgo are helper-healer signs. The call for compassion and selfless service will become louder during this eclipse pattern, which lasts until February 26, 2017. As this Friday’s eclipse falls with a new moon, it ushers in fresh starts. Soulful spring cleaning, anyone? Pisces is not afraid to delve into the shadows, so unlock that chamber of secrets and have a look around. Take time to get in touch with negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, and addictive behavior patterns. Becoming aware of what trips us up can bring an incredible sense of power. This is a stellar time to start a meditation practice, journal, learn an instrument or dive into the arts—particularly music and dance, which fall under Pisces’ jurisdiction.

Moments after the eclipse, the Sun moves on to Aries for a monthlong cycle. With the feisty, fearless Ram ruling the skies until April 20, the world could feel like one long episode of The X Factor. Let those talents out to play! Uncensored self-expression is what Aries loves most. But with everyone demanding premium time in the spotlight, there could be some real diva duels. Make a more concerted effort to be cooperative—yes, world leaders, we’re looking at you.

Raise your hand if you’re so over the power struggles. Yes, Aries, we know you are, so here’s the light at the end of that tunnel. This Monday marks the seventh and final clash between domineering Pluto in your tenth house of authority figures and rebellious Uranus in Aries and your first house of self-expression. Ever since June 2012, the tug-of-war between these planets has left you in a bind. You want the prestige and the power, but not at the expense of your autonomy and independent vision. Finding a middle ground—and one that actually helps you keep food on the table—has not been easy. The final showdown between these two planets can take you in one of two directions: You could figure out how to pull off the “company loyalist” schtick without sacrificing your identity OR you could leave the security of that soul-numbing gig to pursue your own thing. This final Pluto-Uranus square lingers until the end of March, but you might already make an abrupt move this week. Try to exit gracefully, leaving everyone’s dignity intact. Hotheaded as you can be, you often regret burning bridges later on. If you’re staying put, then make a pledge to stop complaining. Your words create your experience, quite literally sending signals to your brain and heart. Why torment yourself with negativity? Acceptance of “what is so” is the first step to peace. Have you been shying away from the lead position or the limelight? Aries, you’re cheating the world by doing that. This square could give you the final push you need to proudly promote yourself. Let that competitive Aries nature out to play! No matter how much you try to dodge the throne, you were born to reign. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

Romantically, you could tap the brakes after Tuesday when love planet Venus exits your sign and moves on to Taurus until April 11. You’ve had the gift of Venus’ presence in Aries since February 20, which has made you an irresistible, albeit restless, romantic. Now, Venus settles into your sensual second house, inviting you to embrace the “slow love movement.” Hey, if it’s meant to be a happily-ever-after, then why rush through the honeymoon phase? There will be plenty of time later to leave the bathroom door open or spend a Saturday with each other’s parents. If you’re in a relationship, make a point of appreciating your sweetie’s more enduring qualities. Spend some time nesting this week too. There’s a decadence in preparing a great meal together, snuggling on the couch and listening to music, or going for a stroll amongst the budding trees.

On Friday, March 20 a solar eclipse in Pisces arrives, energizing your twelfth house of soulful healing and completions. In order to move on to the next phase, something from the past much be released. This eclipse could speed that process. Keep the capture tools handy: sketchbooks, notepads, your voice recorder app. Divinely inspired ideas could flood in with this eclipse. Better still, a mentor figure could see the genius in your Aries “madness,” and decide to take you under his wing—or even invest in your growth. This eclipse could be downright miraculous for many Rams. Suspend disbelief, release control, and watch the universe deliver your gifts.

Your birthday season also begins this Friday when the Sun heads into Aries for a month. Ready, set, refresh! This fresh start to your annual zodiac cycle helps you shake off the dead weight and step into the new. Bow out of commitments that aren’t bringing you bliss. It’s not selfish to put yourself first during your birth month—it’s a matter of self-preservation. Invest in your own self-development, be it sessions with a coach, a spiritual pilgrimage, or an experience you’ve always wanted to have.

Mind over matter? Your thoughts are powerful, Aquarius, and they can shape your outer reality. You’ve been learning this cosmic law for the past three years as your ruling planet Uranus has been locked in a tangled angle (a 90 degree “square”) with spiritual Pluto. Logical Uranus has been holding court in Aries and your verbally agile third house, while probing Pluto has been plumbing your twelfth house—the subconscious realm. Their disruptive dance has forced you to look beyond the surface and examine reality from a more fluid perspective. Or, if you’re the “heady” type of Aquarius, you’ve probably learned that it’s best to get into dialogue and talk through your worries rather than letting them suck you into the analysis paralysis morass. This Monday, March 16 marks the seventh and final (hallelujah) exact square between Pluto and Uranus. Along with it may come one last test. You could come face to face with one of your greatest fears or limiting beliefs. But this is nothing new. You’ve been through this six times since 2012! Choose to greet the dramatic developments differently. Rather than freak out or go into denial, try something different: Slow down, breathe, let the emotions arise and pass through you. Focus on where they are showing up in your body and you can literally watch them dissipate. After that, you can dissect the situation aloud with a compassionate supporter. It can be helpful to talk through the worst-case-scenario. IF that were to happen (a long shot for sure), how WOULD you handle it? Allow yourself to play this out with a keen listener. You’ll be amazed at just how resilient and solution-oriented you are—and how unlikely your fears are to manifest. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

From Tuesday until April 11, loveplanet Venus gets cozy in Taurus and your heartwarming fourth house. Your nesting instincts are awakened—both for home decor (Venus rules styling) and for cuddling through those final days of winter with a special someone. You’ll enjoy more private time behind closed doors, cooking or enjoying your family, if you have one together. Single? Give the boy- or girl-next-door type a chance to win your heart. What felt boring last week could make you swoon over the next three. Let your close friends, even your mom, play matchmaker. They might know you better than you know yourself.

On Friday, a solar eclipse in Pisces rocks your second house of money. A fresh stream of funds could flow in quite unexpectedly. Have your resume ready if you’re looking for work! Eclipses open up hidden windows and doors, but you also must act fast to capitalize on their offerings. You could have a white light realization about what you’re meant to do with your life. Who knows? This could be something markedly different than what you studied in school or ever planned on when you were younger. If your budget needs a once-over, the eclipse will bring a wakeup call. Tighten that belt and get on an austerity plan. Having savings in the bank just brings peace of mind.

Later on Friday, the Sun heads into Aries for a month, awakening the social butterfly in you. Life gets livelier until April 20, so use the next four weeks for catching up with all your key contacts—and just having fun for fun’s sake, too. The local scene delivers! Wander through your ‘hood with a fresh pair of eyes. If there’s nothing exciting going on, get the scene started yourself. A neighborhood business might be keen to collaborate on a weekly event. Be a dabbler before signing on for a huge endeavor, though. Your tastes and interest may blow with the wind until late April and you’ll want to be free to explore it all. Variety is the spice of life!

Helpful, nurturing Cancer, keep a tight hold on your apron strings this week. If you don’t, they could get hopelessly entangled, saddling you with responsibilities that should never have been dumped on you in the first place. This struggle is nothing new to your sign. But over the past three years, a series of squares (harsh, 90 degree angles) between controlling Pluto in your relationship house and liberated Uranus in your house of leadership has been pushing you to make a change. Trying to be helpful to your mate, colleagues or closest friends may have sent you in “overfunctioning” territory. Suddenly, you’re doing all the heavy lifting while your peeps slack off and turn into sloths before your eyes. The more they SHOULD appreciate you, the less they DO. WTH?! This Monday, March 16 marks the seventh and FINAL (amen!) exact Pluto-Uranus square. White light realizations are ahead. Suddenly you’ll see the cosmic punchline of this paradox. Yep, Cancer, it’s YOU who has to make the change. Do less. Demand more (gently). Drop the ball back into the court where it belongs. The hardest part of this shift has been facing down your own control issues. You want everything to go according to your plan, but you may have steamrolled your partners in the process. The art of cooperation requires you to give up some certainty and allow new ideas to flow in. Give it a try. Once your neuroses subside, you’ll have a lot more fun in your relationships. If you’ve been the submissive one in a relationship, you’ll feel the need to break free—or at least change the rules of engagement so that you aren’t so dependent on your partner for your decisions or livelihood. This last Pluto-Uranus square could bring changes at work. A career collab may go through a transition. You could decide to move on or spend the rest of March hashing out new agreements for your business relationship. Bring in the lawyers if you aren’t sure how to language a contract. The front-end investment will ensure long-term happiness. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

Your social life starts bubbling on Tuesday when charming Venus heads into Taurus and your extroverted eleventh house. Crack out of that shell and try out some new group activities: spring/summer sports leagues, book clubs, writing workshops…whatever floats your boat! Single Crabs could find a love connection while pursuing extracurricular activities. Head’s up: You’ll swoon for the class clown or cute geek between now and April 11. Digital dating gets a power surge while Venus is here, too. Log back into Plenty Of Fish and try, try again. Coupled? Come out of hibernation and make a point of socializing more as a pair over the next three weeks. This is also a stellar time to spruce up your web presence and social media profiles with new images, graphics and photos of yourself.

Keep your passport at the ready! Friday’s new moon in compatible Pisces is also a solar eclipse. Pisces governs your ninth house of travel, higher truths, and expansion. You’ve come a long way, baby, and it looks like you’ve got much farther to go. This eclipse could rocket you into a bigger league, one that allows you to interface with people from all over the world. Thinking about going back to school or signing up for a certification program? Get those applications in. Taking a spiritual pilgrimage or an educational trip is also favored. Try to sign up within a month of the eclipse, even if you don’t actually depart for the next six months. Enterprising Crabs will be compelled to get a business idea in motion, or expand to new territory. By all means DO focus on your career growth with this eclipse—and that could mean traveling or relocating for some of you. Later on Friday, the Sun will head into Aries and your tenth house of prestige for an entire month. You’re moving on up the ladder between now and April 20. Keep an eye on the suit-and-tie crowd as men will be the star players in your ascent. Let’s hear it for the boys!

Home sweet home? Finding the right place to hang your fedora has been a journey for the past three years. Chalk this up to a series of disruptive squares (90 degree angles) between slippery Pluto in Capricorn and your self-directed first house and changeable Uranus in Aries and your (fourth house) domestic zone that began in June 2012. Since then, it’s possible that you’ve moved, purchased property, or had to travel more than usual—rendering it difficult to enjoy your cozy nest. Family drama bubbled up, too, and some Capricorns totally changed the structure of their domestic situation. Or you may have been at odds with someone living under your roof, making it hard to relax at home. Brace yourself, Capricorn. On Monday, March 16 the seventh and final of the Pluto-Uranus squares goes down. Fortunately, you’ve already learned how to deal with this energy six times before, so you can approach the drama proactively. You may need to stand up to a bullying (even passive-aggressively so) woman such as a female relative, or lay down the law with a misbehaving tenant or landlord. This square could push you to make big changes around your living situation, whether you’re swapping your Tudor for a loft with city views or setting up new house rules that work for YOU. With Pluto in Capricorn you will need to examine your own hidden motives. You love to rule the roost, but have you been quietly dominating your family or roommates? Notice where you’ve been uncompromising or NOT a team player, Capricorn. Adjusting your own behavior could bring out a better response in the people around you. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

On Tuesday, a bright chapter opens up for your love life. Romantic Venus cruises into Taurus until April 11, making you simply irrestible. Taurus rules your fifth house of true love, glamour, and fame so get yourself “camera ready.” You could meet a hot prospect at a red carpet event, cultural activity, or while you’re all dolled up for a night on the town. Already attached? You’ll still enjoy this romantic rennaisance, which could stoke the embers once again. Plan more dress-up dates and playdates, too. Letting your hair down and sharing adventures a deux will bring a sexy rush of endorphins and the love hormone oxytocin. With the cosmic creatrix in this part of your chart for three weeks, you could dive into an artistic project of your own. Wedding fever AND baby fever could strike—and you’ll have no trouble boldly suggesting a bump to the next level of the game (no pun intended). Diplomatic, charming Venus can help ensure that you don’t apply too much pressure. But heck, if you feel like getting down on bended knee, ain’t no stopping you now!

Platonic partnerships get a healthy boost, too, thanks to Friday’s solar eclipse in Pisces and your third house of dynamic duos. A fateful encounter with a kindred spirit could open the floodgates: What CAN’T the two of you accomplish together? From creative collabs to business partnerships, you could join forces in an awesome win-win. Test the waters with a smaller endeavor first. This might simply be a launching pad for your future solo careers. If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, this eclipse could reveal the perfect ride. You never know: Someone might just hand you a set of keys or offer you a killer deal on their barely-used vehicle. Later on Friday, the Sun decamps to Aries and your domestic fourth house. Issues that got riled by the Pluto-Uranus square could resolve miraculously during this monthlong solar cycle. Shorten the radius of your inner circle so you can make time for the people who mean the most to you.

Finding your tribe has not been easy since 2012, thanks to a series of challenging squares (90 degree angles) between Pluto and Uranus. With erratic Uranus in Aries and your eleventh house of teams, you preferred to float like a butterfly between groups with no desire to stick to a clique. But subterranean Pluto in your possessive, secretive eighth house has been giving Uranus the sideye. You need people you can trust, too, not just superficial air-kissing connections. Locking down that true blue crew has been quite the journey since June 2012—and it ain’t over yet. This Monday, March 16 marks the seventh and final of the Pluto-Uranus squares. You’ll have one last hurdle to overcome—or, you could finally get the memo from the universe and switch up your game plan. Stop wasting time on people who can’t hold a deep conversation or the ones who play endless mind games. Worse even (for you) are the Kling-ons who latch to your side and try to gain social currency by being affiliated with you. You worked too hard for your contact database to let people swoop in like that, Gem. If you’ve found a great group, stop looking around and commit to this crew. The adventure begins when you go “all in,” and stop searching for better, cooler, or more prestigious. You may have to battle your own demons this week: the ones that are terrified of intimacy. By now you have the courage to look them squarely in their beady, red eyes. Allow the people you trust to see MORE of you—even the messy parts are worthy of love. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

Speaking of amour, Venus changes signs on Tuesday, decamping to Taurus and your twelfth house of healing, fantasy and transitions until April 11. You may wear the rose-colored glasses during this three-week cycle—or take them off to let the tears flow. It’s fine to see your love interest in an idealized light, but remember that everybody has a shadow side too. The sooner you find out where those “flaws” lie, the sooner you’ll know if you can accept people for better AND for worse. Has an ex flitted in and out of your life, causing confusion and emotional despair? Cut those toxic ties, Gemini. A clean break heals the fastest. If you’re in a relationship, an old issue could be stirred up. You THOUGHT you were so done with it, but apparently there’s another round of healing left to do. Don’t sweep it under the rug, but consider hashing it out with a therapist or wise friend before you open up that vault again. This conversation could take a downturn fast and you’ll want to approach it constructively and proactively.

Keep your powersuit handy this Friday! A solar eclipse in Pisces and your tenth house of career could bring an unprecedented leap up the ladder of success. A powerful portal could open up as important industry insiders take note of your work. Seize the opportunity to promote yourself. You could even make a fateful connection during a Friday night or weekend social gathering. How would you like to grow and expand over the coming six months? It can be helpful to write out a wish list or even a proper plan. Working with a consultant or coach can help you go farther faster—and the accountability watchdogs can keep you from veering off on tangents as you move steadily towards your dream. On the hunt for new work? A call from the recruiters could come in on or within a month of Friday. Shop yourself around and follow up with leads. The Sun heads into Aries and your eleventh house of teamwork and technology on Friday, too. This monthlong solar cycle reminds you that it’s all about who you know. Post that status update, reach out to your network for support and advice. Developing an online venture, app, or other invention between now and April 20 could bring a big win for your future. You might even start a network marketing-based business or become an affiliate salesperson for a product you love. Both online and IRL, your popularity is on the rise! Fill your Instagram feed with new photos and watch your fanbase grow!

Where does the line between truthful and TMI lie? You’ve struggled to find that balance since June 2012, when a series of harsh squares (90 degree angles) erupted between secretive Pluto and renegade Uranus. You may have burned a bridge (oh, those regrettable tweets) or kicked yourself for NOT speaking up. This Monday, March 16 marks the final exact Pluto-Uranus square in the series. A test is coming before March is through—one that will challenge you to be both forthright AND diplomatic. Set limits with people who want “more, more, more,” and don’t fall prey to their guilt trips. Some folks have become a little too used to you rushing in as the fixer. Cast yourself in a new role, Leo. Being helpful is an act of generosity, not your lot in life. Are you at risk of being passed up for a great opportunity? Bring on the selective self-promotion. Confidently assert that you’re the right one for the job. But remain unattached. (Even if you want it, you want it…you really REALLY want it!) If the gig is meant to be yours, you won’t have to hard-sell yourself. Just make sure people have the information they need to see your sparkle. A few humble-brags never hurt either. If you have a writing or multimedia project in the works, this Pluto-Uranus square could bring a rush of creative downloads. Sequester yourself away and bang out those chapters or posts. Your magnum opus is emerging! For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

On Tuesday, pull that powersuit to the front of your closet. Charming, affable Venus heads into Taurus and your tenth house of career until April 11, blessing you with extra professional mojo. Business, as you well know, is all about relationships. Get out and nurture your most influential connections. Spring for a few lunches, send a follow up card or gift in the mail after a great meeting, head to some evening networking events. Don’t waste time on projects that won’t bring a healthy ROI. Since Venus is the governess of love, you could even meet a hot prospect through a work event. Coupled Leos, consider joining forces with your sweetie on a business project. You’ll be in a goal-oriented mindset when it comes to romance. Don’t waste time on the long-shots, because you could genuinely find someone who wants to go the distance now.

Friday’s solar eclipse in Pisces and your seductive eighth house will be a major mojo booster. Hello, you sexy siren, you! This eclipse makes you absolutely magnetic. But just as magnets attract, they also repel. You won’t be able to kid yourself about a lukewarm connection under this “all or nothing” lunar light. A desire for more permanent bonding could heat up—so, too, could your jealous streak. Monitor that monster with the green eyes or you could say (or do) something you truly regret. This eclipse is fabulous for finances. A lump sum of cash could come your way in the month to follow from a tax return, inheritance, property sale, commission, or advance check for a project. An investor could show up who wants to put dollars behind your dreams. Get ready to leap into a bigger league. Later on Friday, the Sun embarks on a monthlong tour through Aries and your global, expansive ninth house. Let wanderlust be your guide as this is your time to stretch and explore new terrain. A long-distance relationship may heat up for business or pleasure. If you have a book to write or a business to launch, there couldn’t be a brighter solar cycle for your endeavors.

The heart wants what it wants, Libra—no matter what your inner circle has to say about it. Since June 2012, you’ve struggled to reconcile your romantic choices against your family’s beliefs. A series of challenging squares (tense 90 degree angles) between controlling Pluto and renegade Uranus has left you torn. On the one hand, the backing of your peeps is essential emotional support. But giving their approval more merit than your own desires? Simply unworkable. This Monday, March 16 marks the seventh and final (hallelujah!) of the exact Pluto-Uranus squares—and this one could come with one last test. You may have to stand up to a relative (most likely your mother, sister, or another female) who is pushing an agenda that doesn’t agree with your soul values. By the same token, be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. There may still be a worthwhile nugget of wisdom in her admonishments, even if they don’t quite come in the tone of voice your peaceful sign prefers. Put up boundaries with the worriers, but don’t dismiss their concerns without at least considering them. This is YOUR life, Libra and the final vote is yours. Don’t forget to look at your own part in the drama, too. As a constant deliberator, you may be driving your friends and family to the brink with your constant carping. If you want them to back off, don’t treat them like your sounding board every time you have an up or down with your partners. Better you should hire a couple’s therapist (ding, ding ding!) and work it out between the two of you. That would be far more proactive, Libra, so schedule a session this week, even if it’s just for a general tune up. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

On Tuesday, love planet Venus slips into your sultry, intimate eighth house until April 11. You’ll be quite magnetic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you want your lover around 24/7. You may decide to give yourself a little more space in the name of keeping a relationship fresh. If you need, as Virgina Woolf wrote, “a room of one’s own,” consider finding a studio space or even your own apartment so that you can have that much-needed time to connect to your creativity without interruption. If you’re craving MORE time together, this Venus phase helps you gracefully discuss. Talks could lead to a co-signed lease or a regular date night. Single Libras could radar in on a soulfully sexy prospect now. You’ll be attracted to the quiet and mysterious ones. Just stay away from the brooders who can bring down your Sunny spirit.

On Friday, don the rubber gloves and grab the labelmaker. A solar eclipse in Pisces and your sixth house of structure and healthy routines sends you into spring-cleaning overload. Ignoring clutter and chaos will be impossible—and that includes the emotional kind. Simplify and categorize. Evict the drama queens from your favorites list and give yourself space to just breathe. You could find a great doctor or health care practitioner to work with under this eclipse. Don’t cut corners with your medical care. Get those aches and pains checked out and nip them in the bud. Along with a pass to a great Pilates studio, this eclipse could also bring an exciting work opportunity, one that will unfold beautifully over the coming six months. But you’ll have to dive in quickly—eclipses demand fast action. If you see a positive ROI, leap! Later on Friday, the Sun heads into Aries and your seventh house of partnerships for a month. Questions you have about relationships and work partnerships will sort themselves out by April 20. You could feel the urge to make one connection more exclusive. Looking for your other half? Rule of thumb now: opposites attract!

You might be compassionate, but you’re no conformist, Pisces. Yet certain people have mistaken your kindness for weakness, forcing you to reveal more backbone than you even knew you had. Chalk it up to a series of squares (tense 90-degree angles) between controlling Pluto in your eleventh house of groups and revolutionary Uranus in your second house of values. This tense astrological alignment has been going on since June 2012, prodding you towards greater self-acceptance, a stronger sense of self-worth, and a far lower tolerance for people’s BS. This Monday, March 16 marks the seventh and last (amen!) of the Pluto-Uranus squares—but with this cosmic coup de gras comes one more test. Will you fold in the face of peer pressure? Have you let the demands of a group, organization or your family have a louder say than the wisdom of your heart? Here’s hoping NOT! But you don’t have to shift into a victim mindset, either. Rather than letting emotion overtake you, realize what’s underneath their angst. As you embrace new experiences and assert your individuality, your crew may be fearful of abandonment. Let them know that you love them but that you need to be free to grow and explore. On a financial note, this series of squares has pushed you to earn outside of the box. An online business or original invention could fill the coffers now. If you need to upgrade your tech savvy (or hire a social media expert to help you promote), get that process underway this week. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

On Tuesday, your spring awakening kicks in as loveplanet Venus heads into Taurus and your flirtatious third house. Watch that rubbernecking! (Well, at least if you’re on a date with someone else.) You’ll have a bit of a roving eye and committing to just one person won’t be easy between now and April 11. Let yourself banter and bat your lashes. Single Pisces could start a fire on Tinder or meet your match through the introduction of a mutual friend. Coupled Pisces will have an easier time talking through issues diplomatically, too. No more sweeping “the little things” under the rug.

The biggest news of the week happens on Friday, though. That day, a solar (new moon) eclipse in Pisces electrifies the skies and sets you off on an exhilarating new path. Change has been in the air for a while, but this confidence-boosting moon will give you the courage to actually set forth on a new, fulfilling path. This is just the beginning, Pisces. Between now and February 2017, there will be five more eclipses to light up the Virgo-Pisces axis that herald long overdue progress for your personal life and your partnerships. Flip back to 2006-8, which was the last time eclipses fell in your sign and Virgo (your opposite sign). You may see echoes of the same theme show up, even if the circumstances and players are different. Later on Friday, the Sun leaves Pisces, effectively ending your birthday season. Truth be told, you’re ready for a more grounded groove. Until April 20, Aries will rule the skies, activating your second house of stability, work and money. Time to get practical and figure out the HOW of all your grand schemes and plans. Crunch numbers, map out timelines and figure out the empirical data. With a clear plan in place, you can do anything!

Chasing shiny things again, Sagittarius? You’ve been known to develop a case of “glamnesia” from time to time—tossing good sense out the window when the stars get in your eyes. But this week, DO keep one Chelsea boot planted on terra firma. Monday marks the seventh and final (amen!) tussle between cautious Pluto in your practical second house and capricious Uranus in your flamboyant fifth. Since June 2012, these two planets have been at a tangled angle called a square (90 degrees), forcing you to reconcile your whimsical spending habits and shoot-from-the-hip decision-making process. Investing in quality over quantity has been a big lesson for you these past three years. Rather than rushing to the sale rack, you’re being asked to think big picture, and spend a little more on timeless, lasting purchases. The person with the flashiest sales pitch may have left you disappointed, while the quiet, enduring people have held strong. Keep these lessons at hand! An important decision lies before you this week, one that requires you to be as tough as you are tender. Business isn’t personal—but being personable DOES make for good business practice. Negotiate terms so they work for you. Cachet alone is not enough. You need to a solid ROI on your time and efforts. When you value yourself, others will respond in kind—and that goes for your professional AND your personal life. If it’s time to replace your money managers—accountants, bookkeepers, brokers—this is the week to start interviewing new prospects, with a goal of finding the right fit by the month’s end when the Pluto-Uranus rumble wraps until (yes!) 2046. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

If you need more help staying grounded, Venus lends an assist on Tuesday when she decamps to Taurus and your stable, systematic sixth house until April 11. Just. Breeeathe. After three weeks of Venus in fiery, flamboyant Aries, you’re quite ready for a cool-down period. Turn your focus to setting up structures that are both practical and pleasurable—which could require you to bow out of unwieldy commitments or scale back on socializing so you have time for yourself. But, you’re still in demand, so lifehack in order to get quality time in with your sweetie or friends. For example, meet for walks instead of brunch so you can catch up while getting your cardio on. Set up home exercise equipment and do a treadmill run while the family is watching Downton Abbey together. Healthy living AND relationships are what you’ll crave with amorous Venus here. Slip on your cutest Lululemons because you might just meet a hot prospect at your spin studio. Coupled Archers, why not turn your bedroom buddy into your gym buddy? After the endorphins are pumping you can share a green smoothie, then enjoy an, er, Ironman, in the bedroom.

Friday’s solar eclipse in Pisces reminds you that there’s no place like home—even for the traveling Archer. If your crib doesn’t feel like a sanctuary, or a place that fits the current needs of your lifestyle, it’s time to renovate, redecorate or relocate. Some Archers may have to pull up the stakes and quickly move. Ready, set, go! Eclipses expedite changes and this one could pack you into the U-Haul faster than you anticipate. If you’re renting, you may realize that you need more security around your lease and extend it for two years instead of one at a time. Buying property could also be a result of this eclipse, and again, you might be closing the too-good-to-pass-up deal at lightning speed. You could meet an important female figure near Friday, too, someone who will be seminal to your growth over the coming six months. A woman in your family or inner circle could be going through a change. Be there for her, Sagittarius—your special brand of wisdom makes all the difference.

Later on Friday, the Sun heads into Aries for a month, lighting up your fifth house of fame, fertility and romance. This celebratory solar cycle is all about letting your hair down and having fun. Be a healthy hedonist between now and April 20. There’s no reason why self-care has to fly out the window during this indulgent month. Your love life heats up—especially while lusty Mars rolls alongside the Sun in Aries until March 31. Be the passionate pursuer, or let yourself be chased. May the best contender win! If you’ve had babies on the brain, this could be THE successful four-week block on your conception calendar. If you have children, spend more playful time with them. Their innocence and unfiltered sentiment will inspire you. Don’t leave the house in the messy side-braid every day. Public attention is heading your way and you’ll want to be ready for your close-up!

Analysis paralysis alert! Lately, there have been so many details to think through that your circuits are on overload. Time to simplify, streamline and put savvy systems in place—but not so much so that you extract all the juice from your projects and plans. Finding the balance between “too much” and “just enough” has not been easy for the past few years. Since June 2012, a series of challenging squares (90 degree angles) between controlling Pluto and irreverent Uranus has stirred up some anxieties around decision-making. Your greatest wish may be a worry-free night of sleep. Well, that’s not too far off for you, Scorpio. This Monday, March 16, the seventh and final (YES!) exact square between Pluto and Uranus goes down. While the effects linger until the month’s end, you may see the divine comedy in all these “stressful” situations. While you can’t control the crazymakers, you DO have a say in how you respond to them. This week you could put up a long-overdue boundary with someone who has gotten used to switching up the game plan on you in the eleventh hour. Have you found yourself squabbling over idiocracy with people who just don’t make an ounce of sense? Such a time suck. Ask yourself: Are these relationships really worth the trouble? Cut your losses and clear space for more productive, fulfilling people to enter the picture. You might also do your own bit of damage control. How about writing up policies or drafting work agreements so people know exactly what to expect on the front end? Once the annoyance of hammering out the paperwork and PDFs is through, everything will flow with greater ease. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

On Tuesday, Cupid comes a calling, so give the guy a clear shot, would ya? Love planet Venus enters Taurus and your seventh house of relationships until April 11, getting you in the mood for love. A casual connection could heat up. You could add an exclusivity clause over the coming three weeks or start seeing each other on a more regular basis. If you’re in a relationship, diplomat Venus helps you smooth over the rough edges that invariably crop up when dealing daily with another human. There could even be a proposal in the works or a decision to merge your lives in a more permanent way. The romantic vibes go from warm to scorching on Friday when the solar eclipse in Pisces activates your fifth house of love. Eclipses are activators of hidden energy—and catalyzers of existing situations. Since solar eclipses arrive with new moons, a percolating attraction could finally bubble over into some real deal romance. You might be shocked to discover WHO has been checking you out. Keep an open mind. If you’ve been avoiding the dating game altogether, this eclipse motivates you to get back out onto the field. Got babies on the brain? With your fifth house activated, there could be a pregnancy within a month of the eclipse. Not ready to rock the cradle? Triple protect, Scorpio. Fame and public attention could come your way, courtesy of the eclipse. Start promoting your talents and six months from now you could see some major growth in your fanbase.

The Sun changes signs on Friday as well, heading into Aries and your sixth house or healthy routines for a month. Getting life into a more orderly groove will bring major peace of mind. Clear some whitespace in your calendar for self-care. Massages, acupuncture, juicing: these are all forms of preventative medicine. Ramp up your spring training, too. Not only will you love getting fit, but it will keep stress at bay. Work is going to be busy between now and April 20!

Traditional Taurus, you’ve been accused of getting your hooves stuck in the mood on occasion. But ever since 2012, a series of squares (90 degree angles) between old school Pluto in your ninth house of faith and expansion and inventive Uranus in your twelfth house of entrenched patterns and fears has pushed you to think outside of the box. It’s been confusing at times: You understand why certain time-tested principles have endured. But by the same token, you also realize the need to roll with the times. This Monday, Pluto and Uranus meet for their seventh and final exact square, cracking open your mind just a li-i-i-ittle bit further. Keep that journal, notebook, or voice recorder handy. You could have a divine download from the universe that you absolutely must capture before you forget it. In you eagerness to move on to a new school of thought, you may have rushed and forgotten to tie up loose ends. The square will linger until the end of March, so devote this month to a clean-up mission. All the stretching and soul-searching you’ve done over the past few years could really pay off. You might even funnel them into a business plan, curriculum, a blog or a book. Share that wisdom, Bull—you have a lot to offer. Or, if you feel that you’ve tapped into a fascinating path, consider working with a teacher or signing up for a degree program to master the fundamentals. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

Cupid is SO in your corner this week. On Tuesday, romantic Venus—your cosmic ruler—makes her annual stopover to your sign. You’ll host the radiant love planet until April 11, giving you three weeks to benefit from her beams. The law of attraction is definitely on your side. Drawing people in is the easy part. In fact, it’s figuring out which ones are worth keeping around that could be challenging! Rather than falling prey to your sign’s tendency to “future trip” and try to categorize within an hour of the first date, make a point of keeping your options open. You never know—the first meeting can bring out the worst in some people, the best in others. Time will tell, Taurus, so be patient and reserve your final rose for as long as you can hold out. If you’re in a relationship, absence makes the heart grow fonder and the libido stronger. Give yourself more space to pursue your independent interests. When you fall in love with yourself, you’ll have a well to draw from when it comes to loving other people. Plus, you might need to break a few codependent ties this week so you don’t blur the line between “hot mama” and “mother, dear.”

Friday’s new moon in Pisces reboots your social life—and fast! This new moon is also a solar eclipse, which can bring unexpected developments. You’re an ever-evolving being, Bull, and you may have outgrown some of your go-to homies. Spend the weekend exploring new scenes. You could find your tribe faster than you think. Got an idea for an app or online venture? This eclipse falls in your tech sector (the eleventh house) making it an optimal time start developing or launching these dreams. There’s strength in numbers, so use crowdfunding to get projects in flight. The Sun heads into Aries on Friday too, and your twelfth house of healing and rejuvenation. You’ll need more solitude and rest in the four weeks leading up to your birthday time. Declutter, detox and decompress. On April 20, you’ll be ready for a fresh start—and you won’t want to carry any baggage along for that ride. You may feel a bit tired or low-energy in the meantime, while the Sun hangs in Aries. Don’t fight it. Surrender, relax and get a meditation practice going. You’ll be back to your “raging bull” status after you take a little time out to restore.

Virtuous Virgo, you’re not exactly comfortable with letting it all hang out. But since 2012, a series of squares (tense 90 degree angles) between secretive Pluto and live-out-loud Uranus have made it hard for you to fly under the radar. As you’ve been pulled into the limelight, you’ve felt a simultaneous impulse to run back to your honeycomb hideout. This Monday, March 16 marks the seventh and FINAL of the Pluto-Uranus squares. There is one last test to go through that will linger until the month’s end. Resistance is futile, Virgo—the public wants you! But that doesn’t mean your life has to imitate a reality show. Decide what you want to keep private and don’t apologize for needing time to regroup in between social occasions this week. Your love life may have gone through some ups-and-downs—even a serious transition—over the past few years. There’s been a tug of war with Pluto and Uranus: You want the hot trophy mate but you NEED someone who is also low-key and supportive behind the scenes. This could be the week where you figure out what’s best for you, or even walk away from a relationship that leans too much to one extreme. You don’t necessarily need a peacock, but a total recluse and homebody is not going to satisfy you, either. For more on the Pluto-Uranus square, read our post here: http://astrostyle.com/pluto-uranus-squares/

On Tuesday, Venus will lend a hand with resolving romantic angst. That day, she cruises into Taurus and your happy-go-lucky ninth house until April 11 making you far more adventurous and candid. You’ll be able to speak your truth—maybe delivering a “shape up or ship out” ultimatum or rewriting your dating profile to attract someone who is a match for YOU…not just who your friends think you should be with. Cast a wider net! Your spring fling could come in a totally different package than your usual type—avec adorable accent. If you’re traveling over the next few weeks, plan on getting your groove back. Already attached? This is a fabulous time for a couple’s getaway.

But wait…there’s more! On Friday, a solar eclipse in Pisces and your seventh house of relationships brings an infusion of fresh energy for your love life. Solar eclipses arrive with NEW moons and they expedite new beginnings. You’re ready to start anew—either by letting bygones be bygones or clearing the decks for a better fit. Eclipses reveal what’s hidden in the shadows and this one could illuminate an admirer who you’ve known platonically for quite some time. Single Virgos will get a rush of motivation to get back out there again. This eclipse is extra special for your sign as it begins a series on the Pisces-Virgo axis that will last until February 2017. Having eclipses in your sign (and your opposite sign) picks up the pace in your personal life, both with your ambitions and your dynamic duos. Changes that are overdue will start to happen quickly. Fasten your seatbelt and just go with it! The last series of Pisces-Virgo eclipses were from 2006-8. Flip back in your files as you might see a recurrence of similar themes. Although you’ll have a roving eye, you’ll also have a selective one. Just hours after the eclipse, the Sun begins a monthlong tour through Aries and your eighth house of permanent relationships and shared resources. Finding a sexy soulmate will be your priority. Already located The One? Your relationship will deepen beautifully over the coming four weeks. Hang the Do Not Disturb sign and enjoy some private, “just the two of us” time!

On Thursday, brace yourself for a bounty of rich rewards! The only Virgo full moon of the year could pull you out of a rut and shine a bright light on a new path to happiness. Full moons are the culmination of the previous six months’ hard work and, as of today, the results could start showing up rapidly! It’s time to close the opinion polls. You’re poised to make an independent move, but don’t even THINK about the potential approval ratings. With the full moon in your sign, you could be inspired to give your image a little upgrade. You might even enlist a stylist to help you do a closet edit. Pair the pieces you already own with a few new accessories. You never know—last year’s pantsuit might look great with a pair of disco platforms or a fur-collared leather jacket.

As this season’s quartet of Fashion Weeks zipped itself closed and exited stage right yesterday and I boarded a plane bound for familiar faces, the voice in my head was never more like the diaristic Doogie Howser crossed with SJP doing her Carrie Bradshaw narrations. So please indulge me as I attempt to make some sense of the sit-com/sci-fi/drama that was these last 30 days of runways, real ways, icons, offbeats and more.

I’m not ready to bring my Fashion Week coverage to an end per se—stay tuned in the weeks to come as I take you behind even more brands and share some special showroom stories and scenes—but for now I’ve distilled a month’s worth of impressions and ideas down to five notions of what the phenomenon of Fashion Month means right now.

1. The Outdoor Runway Game Is Strong

So strong, in fact, that it’s feeling as important as the indoor runway game. The circus of street-style photographers and the bloggers, editors and off-duty models they document can feel at times like a parody of itself, but it’s no joke. The packs of cameras move from this girl to that one, and there are photographers photographing the photographers.

But that wouldn’t happen if there weren’t such an immense appetite for what happens before and after the shows. We, as a fashion-consuming public, have never been more interested in what other people are wearing, and when you see the mad scramble for images happen live, it’s pretty striking.

For fashion editors on the scene (often the very ones being photographed themselves), the task is now not just to delineate the future season—the one designers are presenting—but to accurately gauge what’s happening in real time and roll the in-the-moment trends into the equation as well.

I wish I had time and energy to do the math on the number of runway images versus the number of street-style images published by fashion magazines. (Actually, this conversation could start by noting how many runway images are shared nowadays as compared to five or ten years ago.)

While fashion designers have always taken a lot of inspiration from the street, the modern blogger/influencer scene, wherein scores of formerly “regular” girls have hundreds of thousands of followers hungry for images of their every outfit choice, creates a sort of mirror-within-a-mirror effect. Who’s the cook in this kitchen and which curtain would we need to draw back if we wanted to really take a behind-the-scenes look at who’s dictating the current style? It’s a puzzle obi-wrapped in an enigma tucked inside a question, I tell you what.

Melkonova and I met at the super-posh and stylish Paris hotel Le Meurice to chat not just about the shows, but about the climate of style in Russia and her life and work in the mix of the two very different (but perhaps also very similar) countries that are home for her.

In a nutshell:

-she had just come from a meeting with the coolest American-in-Paris and perhaps one of the most globally relevant brands in the world, Stella McCartney

-when we parted ways, she was off to see the super-buzzed-about Russian designerVika Gazinskaya

Next time I feel like my world is big, I’m going to check myself by remembering Melkonova’s. And yet … and yet …

Melkonova says she has to think of a very specific fashion follower. The Russian fashion-focused woman remains distinct even as she becomes more and more European all the time, which is how this producer and director assessed the current direction back at home.

For example, she told me first about a recent cover-shoot casting she was just at. When they saw a lovely model with short hair, Melkonova had to explain that that look really wouldn’t work in Russia. Next she referenced that iconic Parisian girl, the one with a cool case of bedhead, a no-makeup makeup look and supremely purposeful nonchalance. Melkonova says those ideas of a woman—the boyish cropped ’do, the #wokeuplikethis moments—simply are not what her readers want.

“We are selling a dream and the dream is about pleasure and beauty. The main idea is to be beautiful,” she said.

And for her publication, that means an old-world version of beauty. Sure, that beauty and style is within an increasingly modern context, but my tea date was clear that while Americans embrace the heck out of sportif style and can’t get enough soft, fluid draping paired with dressed-up sweatpants, the stiletto and pencil skirt still rule where she’s from.

I thought a lot about the globalization of of-the-moment looks while I was traveling this last month. I had many conversations with people about their personal geography and what matters in the cities and towns that are their homebase. Melkonova and Vogue Russia are a sort of metaphor for what’s true in America and all over the world: There just is something about place that plays into prêt-à-porter. (Side note: it’s true in lots of arenas—food, art, culture—not just fashion.) We may all be looking at the same bloggers and Instagram feeds, but roots are roots and in a world that gets more homogenous all the time, regional identities are worth acknowledging, honoring and preserving.

3. What Happens on the Runway Does Not Stay on the Runway

Okay, on the face of it, this one is obvious, right? Runway looks become everyday looks in a matter of months—that’s what the whole thing is about, but what I’m getting at here is the theater of the runway, and the fact that the theatrical, conceptual, almost costume-like elements are feeling more and more ready for the real world every day.

If you’ve ever had to explain to people outside of fashion why the runway is often fantastical, over-the-top and maybe even a little bizarre (“Are people really expected to wear that stuff?” is the outsider’s common comment), you know that it’s both easy and abstract.

See what you think of the analogy I dropped one night: Say there’s a really successful pop band; they’re hit machines and they know what works for the public in large production, but in order to define and refine their artistic vision and their artistic brand, they put all that on pause a few times a year and issue vinyl-only intellectual moods and textures that are meticulously handcrafted in some rare, ultra-limited release format. And they retain a sense of those rarified moments amid the straightforward ones, too. They weave the transcendental into the everyday. It’s an essential part of their process.

As with the above, one of my very favorite backstage moments from all the fashion weeks, in which one of Maria Cornejo’s mussed, mohawked, braided warrior girl in futuristic face paint contemplates the marching steps she’s about to take.

Do I think Scarlett Johansson’s locks will be like so in some upcoming celeb mag expose about stars at the grocery store? Eh, not really, but I saw a lot of women doing a lot of amazing things with color, cut, geometry and everyday liquid eyeliner.

But I found that Robert Clergerie, as a brand, represents that idea in a really clever and organic way—and, as a nice bonus, there’s also something happening there that points to a greying line between the youthful and the experienced, too.

And I don’t mean “there” as in the Parisian showroom I visited, but in their archives, in their current stock, in their coming fall ’15 collection (pictured here), and, as I heard it, their sales.

To know anything at all about Clergerie’s 125-year-old tradition is to know that it began in a men’s utilitarian footwear factory. To know what is vital about it right now is to know that that same factory is still in operation, but these days it meticulously and perfectly turns out oxfords, platforms, boots and heels that riff on men’s fashion with forward-cutting silhouettes and colors. The kind of shoes that punctuate the street-style looks of global icons such as Marion Cotillard and everyday footwear icons in sport sandals and skirts.

It was cool to hear about the history of Mr. Clergerie, and current designer Roland Mouret, and to see examples from the archives and their modern-day carry-through.

The DNA is so strong, and yet the switch from men’s to women’s couldn’t feel more authentic and complete. But then fold into that the story the American Vice President Gilles Assor told me about two very different women—one young, one old; one very monied, one way more a hipster; one uptown, one downtown; one headed for finger-sandwich luncheons, one music-festival bound—who met while engaged in a bit of competitive shopping.

You see, both wanted the same version of a woven style that appears at the top of this post (wovens themselves having a rich place in Clergerie history, going back to wartime when leather was scarce), and in the end they both went away with the very same shoe—and a brand-new friendship too. To hear Assor tell it, hugging was involved, and you know, I totally believe it.

Because let’s face it, all industry and culture analysis aside, these are some wantable, walkable, super-sexy-yet-totally-effortless shoes.

5. Reemerging Designers Are the New Emerging Designers

Okay. Anyone here ever played fantasy football? Anyone know anyone who has played fantasy football? Take the idea of building your own dream team, and moving players and coaches from one to another, and imagine a fashion-industry version. Let’s start a league, right?

Sometimes it seems like a game that already exists. We love watching new and emerging brands come online, and we love tracking new designers at not-new labels—like Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, and former Carven designer Guillaume Henry who is now at Nina Ricci.

Henry’s undertaking—absorbing a beloved and very feminine aesthetic while showing his bosses and the world that he can bring something new to it—is an example of one of the most intellectually engaging aspects of the industry. How to integrate a brand and a brain? How to reimagine an image? How to reimagine a dress? Each season there are any number of examples, and any number of opinions on their success. Inside the Nina Ricci showroom, just a door down from their gorgeous avenue Montaigne flagship, the new designer’s rich, modern take on outerwear was even more fresh than it was on the runway.

In a word, Henry’s Ricci is neoclassical. It’s a sincere but not at all austere approach to female beauty. Neither is it outside the lines.

The silver, the see-through lace and lush whites, and the sharply chic lines paired with boxy cuts, yield a sort of ethereal new/old—as if your recurring dream picked up a slightly new plot line.

Those who have followed Carven closely might have wondered if Henry would shake up the house that Nina Ricci began building in 1932, but I love the symbolism, instead, in his reverence and quiet retooling.

You know the doves that have, for generations, appeared on bottles of Ricci’s L’Air du Temps? They were always meant to symbolize love and freedom, and Henry brought them back.

Pause, please. On Saturday, taskmaster Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your ninth house of grand plans and wanderlust. Perhaps you’ve been moving full steam ahead on a new chapter—maybe planning the trip of a lifetime, getting set to return to school or launching a new start-up. For the next four-and-a-half months, the planet of structure will be doing backstrokes, prompting reflection on your current path. Life is definitely a journey, Aries, but sometimes, an integral part is taking some time to reassess: is this where you really want to be going? Assess this between now and August 1. On Sunday, the mood turns intense, as the moon forms a conjunction with controlling Pluto in Capricorn, your tenth house of structure and long-term planning. The weekend could end with a subtle, insidious power play. Perhaps you learn that a supervisor or client is manipulating an important situation. Be aware, but also be careful not to exert your will over anyone else, including family members. You are goal-oriented and could have tunnel vision (to put it mildly). To make sure you’re creating a win-win scenario, you may even want to set a positive intention before entering any conversations, e.g. “May this work out for the best of all involved.”

Time to get real, Bull. On Saturday, serious Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your eighth house of intimacy and joint resources, where it will do backward strokes until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, you’ll do well to examine the foundations of your closest relationships and your long-term financial security plans (including any real estate matters in the works). This is the time to make sure you’re not cutting corners, emotionally OR financially. For example, if a simmering jealousy has come between you and your love, bring it into the light and deal with it openly. In business matters, especially those involving money, make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. Err on the side of maturity and integrity. On Sunday, you’re feeling an intense need to fly the coop, thanks to the conjunction between the moon and compulsive Pluto in Capricorn, your ninth house of freedom. If you’ve been playing it too safe, circumstances could push you out into the great wide yonder. Or maybe you just can’t ignore a burning need for change and newness, whether via a trip, a mind-expanding workshop or a foray into publishing. Welcome the myriad possibilities, Bull—and take this invitation from the universe to go see what else is out there.

Review, reassess, reevaluate. When it comes to a major partnership, you have lots to rethink, thanks to Saturday’s retrograde (backward) turn of taskmaster Saturn in Sagittarius, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships. For the next four-and-a-half months, you could be inspired to be the bigger person in a union, whether business or personal. You can’t keep playing the blame game, Gemini. Take stock of the strengths of your relationship, and know that you’re always served by doing the right thing, whether that’s communicating, instituting healthy boundaries or calling bull when you see it. On Sunday, the mood gets intense, as the moon meets up with controlling Pluto in Capricorn, your eighth house of intimacy and deep psychological complexes. Something you’ve been repressing—a feeling, an emotion, a deeper truth—comes bursting out into the open, leaving you no choice but to just deal. To navigate this extremely sensitive day, take everything with a grain of salt, and try to communicate proactively—before there’s a full-blown volcanic eruption.

Whip out that to-do list! On Saturday, accountable Saturn in Sagittarius, your sixth house of efficiency, turns retrograde (backward) until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half-months, go over all your basic systems—filing, cleaning, organizing—and make sure that things are running as smoothly as they can. While the planet of structure is retrograde, you may want to keep an eye on important details, like your bill-paying schedule and your overall budget. The more mundane matters could slip through the cracks if you’re not careful. On Sunday, you could plunge into an emo mood, thanks to the moon meeting up with deep-digging Pluto in Capricorn, your seventh house of partnerships. A significant other could be acting difficult, even subtly controlling, sending you through the roof. Before you fly off the handle, examine what’s coming up. Could it be that this person is mirroring YOUR deep-seated fears and control mechanisms? Well, yes. This could certainly be a day of the pot meeting the metaphorical kettle. Proceed gently.

Going to the chapel? Not so fast, Leo. On Saturday, realistic Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your fifth house of true love and romance, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, check every last instinct you have around your most heartfelt passions. Even if you feel an inexplicable tug of the heart, take stock of practical matters, e.g. do you want the same things? Are your values aligned? Does this relationship have healthy boundaries? Any area that needs work is up for review—and correction—now. On Sunday, things get intense, as the moon meets up with compulsive Pluto in Capricorn, your sixth house of wellness. You may notice that you have a lot of “stuck” energy in your body, like you really need to get out for a run or to sweat it out at the spa. Your moods could easily impact your health, so take your self-care routines seriously. Go to a gentle, restorative yoga class, where you can stretch away this deep-seated worry. Bonus points if you take it a step further and imagine the toxins/stress/angst actually leaving your body. After that, only peace remains.

Clean it up, Virgo. On Saturday, accountable Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your fourth house of home, family and roots. Until August 1, you are in a period of reflecting on how your sentimental life does (or doesn’t) support you. If you’ve always let a family member’s controlling behavior slide, figure out a way to draw better boundaries. You may even draft new lines in your physical home, if you share your abode with roomies or relatives. Sure, it might feel uncomfortable in the short run, but asking everyone to do his part is better in the long run, naturally. On Sunday, you might not leave your boudoir, as the moon links up with deep-digging Pluto in Capricorn, your fifth house of passionate embraces and va-va-voom action. Skip the family brunch and small talk. On this day, you’re feeling intensely sensual, craving a kind of sacred communion. Single? Channel your inner seductress in a pole dancing class, or channel this creative energy by getting lost in an art project.

Time to dust off the old manuscript? On Saturday, serious Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your third house of writing, ideas and communication, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, turn your attention to unfinished projects. Was there an incredible brainstorming session, after which you thought, “This is a goldmine!”…but then you dropped the ball? Now is your chance to be accountable to your intellectual interests—and health, too. If you’ve felt depressed, you may seek a tried-and-true remedy, like lacing up those shoes and going for a run, or consulting your awesome former therapist. On Sunday, you may need a time-out from intensity, as the moon is conjunct domineering Pluto in Capricorn, your fourth house of home and family. Before you have an over-the-top emotional reaction to a loved one, remember that no one else can ACTUALLY control you, not without your permission. If you feel like lashing out, it’s going to be a volcanic eruption. Your keen intuition could lead you to say just the worst thing to really hit the other party below the belt. It’s SO not worth it. Your sensitivity is at an all-time high, so, as best you can, take your time and feel the energy around the situation before reacting. It could help you avoid a huge conflict.

Reality check? On Saturday, taskmaster Saturn goes retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your second house of work and money, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, you should go over your budget and other practicalities with a fine-tooth comb. Use this reflective time to make sure that you are saving enough, and that there’s a solid Plan B in place, should an income stream lighten or, worse, disappear. Being prepared is the name of your A-Game, Scorpio. And, hey, even being “over-prepared” is okay under this influence. On Sunday, you could be in a brooding mood, thanks to the meet-up of the moon and intensity-junkie Pluto in Capricorn, your thoughtful third house. If your mind isn’t digging away at something, you’re not going to be a happy camper. This doesn’t mean you have to go overboard with suspicions or jealousy, though. Channel the considerable emotional fuel into something positive, like writing a raw, searing piece or having a much-needed heart-to-heart. Tell the truth, Scorpio.

Who ARE you, anyway? That’s the question of the day on Saturday, as foundational Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your first house of identity and self, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, you’re in a reflective mode, examining all the new plans you’ve put in place, all the personal projects you’ve launched. Ultimately, you are taking yourself more seriously; and an important part of your new gravitas is stopping to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. This is your life, Archer. There’s no rush. On Sunday, you could have an exciting money moment, thanks to an intense conjunction between the moon and transformational Pluto in Capricorn, your stability-loving second house. There’s considerable energy at your well-manicured fingertips. Instead of letting it overwhelm or even scare you, focus on being a money magnet. Play some audio affirmations on prosperity and abundance. The more you believe that success can be yours, the sooner the universe will answer by boosting your bottom line. Flip the old adage around, Sag: believing is seeing.

Mother Teresa…or martyr complex? On Saturday, responsible Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your twelfth house of compassion and sacrifice, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, spend some time reflecting on how you support others in need. Do you often feel like you HAVE to be the one to field the 4:00 a.m. crisis call? Or maybe you grit your teeth as you assume the role of your parents’ keepers. What about YOU, Capricorn? You may need to regulate your own caretaking instincts. Perhaps your need to be needed is actually helping you shirk your duties in other areas, or defer a dream that feels scary to pursue. Think about it. On Sunday, things start to heat up, as the moon links up with powerful Pluto in Capricorn, your first house of self and identity. If you’re looking to impress a colleague, love interest or potential boss, today is the day. Others see you as magnetic, driven and maybe even a little intimidating. Use this extra dose of heavy-hitting charm to attract interesting people. Of course, the strength of this influence is such that you could veer into domineering territory, without realizing it. Be mindful to not assert your will upon anyone else, Capricorn. Make this strong, transformational energy a force for good.

Are you walking your talk? On Saturday, accountable Saturn turns retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your eleventh house of ideals, altruism and connections, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, make sure that your behavior, especially in friendships and group activities, is in line with your best version of the world, e.g. if you loathe third-party communication but engage in it anyway, now is the time to be more direct. A once-treasured alliance could hit an awkward stumbling block. If there’s repair work to be done, be mature. Taking the high road could encourage the other party to do the same. And, if not, well, at least you took the high road. On Saturday, your demons could get all stirred up, as the moon meets up with intensity-junkie Pluto in Capricorn, your twelfth house of self-sabotage. Emotions run high today, so don’t force yourself to spend time with people who drain you, or with whom you can’t be your true self. If you’re stuck in a rut, today’s considerable energy could prompt a jailbreak. Sure, it might not be pretty, but if acute pain is what it takes to realize you’ve gotta let stuff go, then so be it. Let stuff go.

Who’s the boss? On Saturday, reserved Saturn goes retrograde (backward) in Sagittarius, your tenth house of professional recognition, public image and authority, until August 1. For the next four-and-a-half months, get introspective about where you happily assume leadership positions and where you shy away. Chances are, there’s a subtle undermining that you are responsible for, e.g. when someone compliments you or asks your opinion, you make a big deal about saying that you’re not the expert. Pisces, if that is YOU, stop putting yourself down, please. This is an excellent time to practice self-sanctioning. In work and life, you don’t need anyone else to tell you you’re good enough. That comes from hard work and belief in your own intrinsic value. Keep it real, Pisces. On Sunday, a power play amongst friends could break out, thanks to the moon meeting up with domineering Pluto in Capricorn, your eleventh house of platonic connections and social action. Things could seem normal on the surface, e.g. you’re playing your regular volleyball game or hanging at your local brunch spot. Yet, underneath, there might be some simmering tension that you just can’t put your finger on. There could be a battle over, say, paying the check, or being the point person. The specifics don’t really matter, but be careful not to get caught up in someone else’s drama. Don’t make their compulsions or misguided pain your problem. Enabling doesn’t help anyone.

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/your-astrotwins-weekend-horoscope-for-march-14-15/feed/0Trend Recap: Paris Fashion Week Top 10http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/trend-recap-paris-fashion-week-top-10/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/trend-recap-paris-fashion-week-top-10/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 21:21:10 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55682Designers in Paris tend to march to their own very distinct beat, and the shows there always deliver a beautifully diverse array of trends. There were, however, certain key looks, items and ideas that emerged over the course of all four of this season’s fashion weeks and reached their apex in the French capital.

Among our Top 10: A mood of romantic, gothic Victorian; a nostalgic ’70s feeling; and a clean-edged retro-future idea that recalls the ’60s but is brought up to date with modern fabrications. Fur and layered texture continue in importance and a tailored coat, sleek bag and fitted boot will all be must-haves come fall. High-shine leather and precious dimensional embellishments in unexpected forms keep the look sleek, modern and feminine. Enjoy!

]]>http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/trend-recap-paris-fashion-week-top-10/feed/0Festival #PROTIPS: SXSW Eating, Drinking and Stylehttp://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/festival-protips-sxsw-eating-drinking-and-style/
http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/festival-protips-sxsw-eating-drinking-and-style/#commentsWed, 11 Mar 2015 22:25:21 +0000http://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/?p=55562Make your festival the bestival with rock-solid #protips from party people who’ve been there and done that. As we motor through our spring road trip to SXSW, McDowell Mountain and Stagecoach music festivals, we’ll be taking these #protips to heart. These are the tips for SXSW. Stay tuned for future installments.

“La BBQ is one of the best spots for BBQ in Austin, and what’s great about La BBQ during SXSW is that there’s live music there. La BBQ rivals Franklin’s for best BBQ in the city. They serve BBQ out of a truck until they run out. There is another truck called the Blue Ox which is a bit more under the radar but also very good…it’s in the back of a bar called the Buzzmill. But for SXSW + BBQ: La BBQ is the jam.”

I offer on-location salon services, and last year posted on Craigslist for SXSW attendees who needed their hair done. It worked! If you need an on-location stylist for your #SXStyle hair and makeup needs, we’ll come to you.

If you’re driving from Dallas to Austin for SXSW (or for any other reason), Czech Stop is definitely worth the stop. With the wide variety of offerings, it’s easy to buy more than you can eat, but your best bet is going to either be the plain kolaches or the Hot Chubbies (both contain meat), and the fruit kolaches if you have a sweet tooth. I try different fruit kolaches every time I pass through and I’ve yet to find one I don’t like. They might be a little rich for your taste, so be sure to grab something to drink as well. Czech Stop is about 80 miles from Dallas and about 120 from Austin, so it’s a good midway point to stop, stretch, get gas and have lunch.

I remember taking that pic two years ago when leaving Kendrick Lamar’s house. Those Michael Kors wedges were comfortable for walking many miles, but last year we rented a golf cart that made the SXSW experience much smoother and stress free!

SXSW apparel essentials:

1. Badass jacket that you can tie around your waist or throw in your bag during the day, to pop on once the sun is gone and it’s chilly (it’s always cold there at night)

2. Amazing sunnies

3. Neutral-colored bag that’s easy to carry and can go from daytime to evening as sometimes there’s no time to do a mid-day change

Dart Bowl is off the beaten path of SXSW. $10 for as many games as you want. Get your bowl on and have an awesome plate of enchiladas as well!

More food tips: Take a food truck break and have at least one great dinner during SXSW. The sushi is what makes Uchiko tops in Texas, but their fried milk (yes) is an amazing dessert.

And Torchy’s Tacos on South First is the perfect outdoor spot to hit after a long night of partying and drinking. Also their Wrangler Taco is perfect for breakfast with an order of chips and queso. A Topo Chico to wash it all down is a must.

One of my favorite vintage shops in Austin, Feathers, has a finely curated and deadstock-quality selection of boho-chic clothing and accessories–including a regular supply of amazing boots, cowboy and otherwise.